Lake County Board Vice Chair Mary Ross-Cunningham was remembered as a “trailblazing leader” during funeral services on Thursday and Friday.
Cunningham, who was 80 years old, died on June 23 of natural causes at Endeavor Health Highland Park Hospital, according to Lake County Chief Deputy Coroner Steve Newton.
She was hospitalized earlier in June due to a serious illness.
Cunningham served the public for over two decades in Lake County, serving as the board’s vice chair for the 2024-2028 term,
She 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 was known for her work in the county’s health and housing sectors.
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, Commissioner of the Lake County Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners, 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 also served as a member of the Health and Community Services Committee
Cunningham was additionally Lake County’s representative to the National Association of Counties (NACo) and served on the NACo’s Veterans and Military Service Committee, the Community, Economic & Workforce Steering Committee, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
Cunningham successfully established Martin Luther King, Jr. 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.
Cunningham’s son, Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham, announced his mother’s death “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 said he 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,” Schneider said.
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.
Cunningham, who was born in Alabama, leaves behind three children, 12 grandchildren and several sisters and brothers.
A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Jesus Name Apostolic Church in Waukegan.
Another visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m.
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.
An obituary for Cunningham said she was a “trailblazing leader” in Lake County and championed veterans’ services, affordable housing, homelessness prevention, criminal justice reform, economic development and equitable opportunities for all.
“Her steadfast leadership earned the admiration and respect of colleagues, community leaders, and constituents alike,” her obituary said.
“While her public accomplishments were extraordinary, Dr. Ross-Cunningham’s greatest legacy was the love she shared as a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, mentor, and matriarch. Her life was a testament to unwavering faith, courageous leadership, selfless service, and enduring compassion,” her obituary added.