Floor SpeechNeutral2026-06-29

REMEMBERING MARY ROSS CUNNINGHAM

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Context

On 2026-06-29, Representative Bradley Scott Schneider (D-IL-10) delivered a floor speech titled "REMEMBERING MARY ROSS CUNNINGHAM" in the House.

Full Text

REMEMBERING MARY ROSS CUNNINGHAM

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026) [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. ____________________

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REMEMBERING MARY ROSS CUNNINGHAM Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026) [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. ____________________