[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H4309]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING MARY ROSS CUNNINGHAM

  (Mr. SCHNEIDER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and remember a 
remarkable community leader and a dear personal friend, Mary Ross 
Cunningham.
  Born in rural Alabama on November 19, 1945, one of 22 children, Mary 
was a force of nature, larger than life, with the biggest of hearts, 
and the most indomitable of spirits.
  For more than two decades, in her hometown of Waukegan, Illinois, and 
across Lake County, she served her community with dignity and grace, 
fiercely advocating for those whom she represented.
  Mary was first elected to the Lake County board in 2002, and in 2018 
was elected by her colleagues to be county board vice chair.
  She moved to Waukegan, Illinois, in the 1960s with her husband, 
Samuel, to start her family. Tragically, Samuel was murdered in 1968, 
and Mary was left to raise their four children alone. She raised four 
incredible children: Emerson, Sam, Jackie, and the late Alvin.
  Mary epitomized public service and was a fierce advocate for her 
constituents. She fought to expand access to affordable housing and 
quality healthcare, and she was an unwavering voice for those 
experiencing homelessness.
  Her commitment to equity and justice was matched only by her love of 
community.
  Mary leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. I will miss her as a 
colleague and a mentor, but most as a friend.
  I send my deepest condolences to the entire Cunningham family and the 
community mourning a great loss. May her memory forever be a blessing.

                          ____________________