Lake County Board Vice Chair Mary Ross-Cunningham, who devoted over two decades of service to Waukegan and Lake County, has died at the age of 80, her family announced.
Cunningham, who was 80 years old, died on Tuesday of natural causes at Endeavor Health Highland Park Hospital, Lake County Chief Deputy Coroner Steve Newton said.
She was hospitalized earlier in June due to a serious illness.
In addition to being the board’s vice chair for the 2024-2028 term, Cunningham also served as the county board member for District 9, which encompasses much of Waukegan and parts of North Chicago.
Cunningham was first elected to the Lake County Board in 2002, making her one of the longest-tenured members. She is known for her work in the health and housing sectors in the county.
She was also the first African American woman to serve as a leader of the board and the second African American woman to be elected to the board.
Cunningham served as a member of the Lake County Community Health Center Governing Council, chair of the Lake County Law & Judicial Committee, chair of the Lake County Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee, vice-chair of the Lake County Reapportionment Committee, member of the Lake County Health & Community Services Committee, member of the Lake County Rules Committee, and member of the Lake County Workforce Development Board.
She was additionally Lake County’s representative to the National Association of Counties (NACo) and served on the NACo’s Veterans and Military Service Committee and the Community, Economic & Workforce Steering Committee.
Cunningham successfully established Martin Luther King, Kr. Day as a fixed holiday for county employees and devoted countless hours to several civic and charitable organizations like PADS Lake County.
Beyond Lake County, Cunningham worked closely with former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White on a driver’s license reinstatement program.
Before publicly serving the county in 2002, Cunningham spent 29 years caring for veterans at the Veterans Administration Hospital in North Chicago.
“She was a tireless advocate for people experiencing homelessness, affordable housing, criminal justice and economic opportunity for all,” county officials said.
Mary-Ross’ son, Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham, announced his mother’s death Tuesday afternoon “with profound sadness and heavy hearts.”
“Vice Chair Cunningham was the bedrock of our family, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and guiding light,” Sam said.
“To the community, she was a towering figure in public service, a visionary leader, and a fearless trailblazer. Throughout her lifetime of leadership in Waukegan and Lake County, she championed the underserved, advocated tirelessly for equity and justice, and broke barriers with unmatched determination,” Sam added.
Sam is grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers that the family has received from hundreds of members of the community so far.
“While we mourn this immense loss, we also celebrate a life beautifully and purposefully lived,” Sam said.
U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider said he was “tremendously saddened” by the death of Cunningham, who was a good friend.
Schneider called her a “tireless public servant and a devoted champion of Waukegan, Lake County, and the entire region.”
“Vice Chair Cunningham was bigger than life. I was privileged to count her as a friend, a colleague, and a mentor. She had a remarkably big heart that she opened to me and everyone she worked with. She epitomized public service, and there was no fiercer advocate for her constituents.” Schneider said.
“She fought every day to ensure that residents had 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 genuine love for the community she served.”
“Mary was incredibly proud of her family, in particular her children, Emerson, Sam, Jackie and the late Alvin. She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy – one that will continue to shape and strengthen this community for generations to come. I send my deepest condolences to the entire Cunningham family. May her memory be a blessing.”
Sam said that his mother’s spirit continues to guide and inspire his family and the community.
“Her decades of devotion to the community left a permanent mark on the region and transformed countless lives,” Sam said.
County officials said that Cunningham “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,” county officials said.