WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/03/08) - The woman who played a big role in raising Barack Obama to become the Democratic candidate in the 2008 Presidential Election just couldn't hang on long enough to witness the results of the voting. Obama's grandmother, Madelyn Dunham has died of Cancer in Hawaii. Her death was announced the day before the election. Obama made a trip to Hawaii last week after learning that the end was near. He said he was too late to say goodbye to his mother when she passed away years earlier, and he didn't want the same thing to happen with his grandmother. Obama's grandmother died late Sunday night.

Senator Barack Obama and his sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, released the following statement on the death of their grandmother, Madelyn Dunham:

"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," the official statement reads.

"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," the statement from Barack Obama and his sister continues.

"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," Obama and his sister pointed out.

"Our grandmother was a private woman, and we will respect her wish for a small private ceremony to be held at a later date," they stated.

"In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to any worthy organization in search of a cure for cancer."

Madelyn Payne Dunham was 86.

Obama learned of her death Monday morning while he was campaigning in Jacksonville, Fla. He planned to go ahead with campaign appearances.

Republican John McCain issued condolences to his opponent. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to them as they remember and celebrate the life of someone who had such a profound impact in their lives," the statement by John and Cindy McCain said.

"She's the one who taught me about hard work," Barack Obama said. "She's the one who put off buying a new car or a new dress for herself so that I could have a better life. She poured everything she had into me."

Obama's sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, says their grandmother had a lot to do with shaping Obama's level-headed personality.

"From our grandmother, he gets his pragmatism, his levelheadedness, his ability to stay centered in the eye of the story," Maya Soetoro-Ng said. She added that Barack gets his sensible, no-nonsense attitude from grandmother Madelyn Dunham as well.

Based on polls, and other input, many political pundits are expecting that Barack Obama has a good chance to win the election and become the first black man to become President of the United States. If voters agree, it will be a historical moment. Of course, Obama's grandmother would have been proud to see it happen, if she could, but, probably was also very proud that her grandson grew up to be someone millions in the United States, and around the world, could and would approve of.