Lake County Mourns the Passing of County Board Vice-Chair Dr. Mary Ross-Cunningham
It is with deep sorrow that Lake County announces the passing of Lake County Board Vice-Chair Dr. Mary Ross-Cunningham, a beloved community leader, dedicated public servant and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Mary passed away after more than two decades of distinguished service to the residents of Lake County.
Mary was first elected to the Lake County Board in 2002, representing District 9, which includes portions of Waukegan and North Chicago. In 2018, she was elected by her peers to serve as the Vice-Chair of the Lake County Board, a position she held with distinction and unwavering commitment until her passing. Mary was the first African American woman to serve in Board leadership, and the second African American woman elected to the Lake County Board.
During her tenure, she served on dozens of committees and commissions, including as the longtime distinguished Chair of the County Board's Law and Judicial Committee as well as Chair of the County Board’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. She served on the Governing Council of the Lake County Health Department and the Workforce Development Board. She was Lake County’s representative to the National Association of Counties (NACo) and served on NACo’s Veterans and Military Service Committee and the Community, Economic & Workforce Steering Committee.
In her role on the Board, she successfully championed the establishment of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a fixed holiday for employees, and worked closely with former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White on a driver’s license reinstatement program.
A lifelong advocate for her community, which knew no borders, Mary dedicated her career to improving the lives of others. Before serving on the County Board, she spent 29 years caring for veterans at the Veterans Administration Hospital in North Chicago. Her passion for serving veterans, families and underserved communities remained a driving force throughout her life. She was a tireless advocate for people experiencing homelessness, affordable housing, criminal justice and economic opportunity for all.
Beyond her service to Lake County, she devoted countless hours to organizations that provided services to Lake County, including the Waukegan Housing Authority, Community Action Partnership, PADS Lake County and many other civic and charitable organizations.
She will be remembered for her strength, fearless persistence and unwavering optimism, qualities that made her an exceptional leader and a lasting inspiration to those who had the privilege to know her and serve alongside her. She will be deeply missed.
The Lake County Board and the entire Lake County family extend their deepest condolences to her son, Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham, the entire Cunningham family, friends, colleagues and all those whose lives were touched by Mary's compassion, leadership and service.
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