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Congressional Daily Record
This section is a tribute, commemoration, or district-facing statement. It mentions members such as Brad Schneider. Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
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July 2, 2026
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Extensions of Remarks
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Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextHON. BRADLEY SCOTT SCHNEIDER
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and remember a remarkable community leader and a dear personal friend, Dr, Mary Ross Cunningham.
hearts and the most indomitable spirit. 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 she represented.
children. She later moved to Chicago and then to Waukegan with her husband, Samuel Davis Cunningham, to build a life and raise their family.
sole provider for their four children—Emerson, Sam, Jackie, and the late Alvin. Through determination, faith, and perseverance, she instilled in her family the values of education, service, and respect. Her own experiences shaped a lifelong commitment to helping others overcome hardship with dignity and hope.
Before entering elected office, Dr. Cunningham devoted nearly three decades to serving veterans at the Veterans Administration Hospital in North Chicago. She also worked extensively with the Waukegan Housing Authority, Community Action Partnership, and PADS Lake County, becoming a tireless advocate for affordable housing, economic opportunity, and individuals experiencing homelessness.
In 2002, Dr. Cunningham was elected to represent District 9 on the Lake County Board, serving portions of Waukeean and North Chicago. In 2018, she made history as the first Black woman to serve in Board leadership when she was elected Vice Chair, a position she held with distinction until her untimely passing.
services, public health, veterans services, workforce development, and criminal justice initiatives. She was instrumental in establishing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a fixed county holiday for employees and worked to expand opportunities for residents through numerous county and national leadership roles.
As a member of the Lake County Forest Preserves Board, Dr. Cunningham believed that everyone should feel welcome in the county's natural spaces. She was especially devoted to the annual Gospelfest celebration, helping it grow into a beloved tradition that brought people together through music.
Mary never lost sight of the people she served. She encouraged others to remember why they sought public office. Beyond her public accomplishments, she was known for her warmth, generosity, elegant style, and vibrant spirit. Above all, she took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whose accomplishments reflected the values she worked to instill.
Dr. Mary Ross Cunningham leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. I will miss her as a colleague and as a mentor, but most of all as a friend. I send my deepest condolences to the entire Cunningham family and to the community mourning this great loss. May her memory forever be a blessing.