Sen. Barack Obama’s grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, has died succumed to a deadly bout with cancer.

“She was the cornerstone of our family, and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility,” Barack and his sister, Soetoro-Ng said in a statement.

“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.”

Obama and Soetoro-Ng asked that donations be made for the search for a cure for cancer in lieu of flowers. A small private ceremony will be held “at a later date.”

“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,” he said in his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention in August.”She poured everything she had into me. And although she can no longer travel, I know that she’s watching tonight, and that tonight is her night as well.”

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