REMEMBERING MARY ROSS CUNNINGHAM

Quick facts

Record: House Floor
Section type: Floor speeches
Chamber: House
Date: June 29, 2026
Congress: 119th Congress
Why this source matters: This section came from the House floor portion of the record.

Linked context

People mentioned: Schneider, Bradley Scott

Readable version of the official text

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.