Obama’s 86-year-old grandmother dies
She helped to bring him up from the age of 10.
Statement from Barack Obama and Maya Soetoro-Ng on the death of their grandmother:
It is with great sadness that we announce that our grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, has died peacefully after a battle with cancer. She was the cornerstone of our family, and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility. She was the person who encouraged and allowed us to take chances. She was proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and left this world with the knowledge that her impact on all of us was meaningful and enduring. Our debt to her is beyond measure. Our family wants to thank all of those who sent flowers, cards, well-wishes, and prayers during this difficult time. It brought our grandmother and us great comfort. Our grandmother was a private woman, and we will respect her wish for a small private ceremony to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to any worthy organization in search of a cure for cancer.
UPDATE: Maya Soetoro-Ng adds: My grandmother made her home on these islands since 1959, and she loved the people of Hawaii. We want to thank Tutu’s friends and extended ohana for the outpouring of aloha over the past few weeks. We received cards, letters, and gifts that helped lift her spirits, and we are very grateful for everybody’s support.
(Guardian)
A video where his sister Maya talks about their childhood:
I am deeply saddened and heart broken that God couldn’t have given her just one more day. She would have been profoundly touched by his accomplishment. Things happen for a reason, and i am hoping this will make him a stronger person and, by extension a stronger and emphatic president to social issues.