Mayor Rockingham and City Council Mourn the Passing of Lake County Board Vice-Chair Dr. Mary Ross-Cunningham

Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr., the North Chicago City Council, and city staff mourn the loss of Lake County Board Vice-Chair Dr. Mary Ross-Cunningham, a pillar of the community who dedicated more than two decades of distinguished service to the residents of Lake County and beyond. Mayor Rockingham and the Aldermen extend their heartfelt condolences to the entire Cunningham family, including her son, Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham.

Dr. Ross-Cunningham was a beloved community leader, dedicated public servant, and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Throughout her years of public service, her compassion, leadership, commitment to service, and "can-do" attitude touched countless lives. She dedicated her life to helping others, and her legacy will live on through the projects she championed and the causes she so passionately supported.

She personified the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"

Please read this beautiful tribute to Dr. Mary Ross-Cunningham from her friends and colleagues at Lake County Government

Mayoral Resolution
RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE, LEGACY, AND PUBLIC SERVICE OF LAKE COUNTY BOARD VICE-CHAIR DR. MARY ROSS-CUNNINGHAM
WHEREAS, DR. MARY ROSS-CUNNINGHAM devoted more than two decades of distinguished service to the people of Lake County, first being elected to the Lake County Board in 2002 to represent District 9, which includes portions of North Chicago and Waukegan; and

WHEREAS, in 2018, Dr. Mary Ross-Cunningham was elected by her fellow Board members to serve as Vice-Chair of the Lake County Board, becoming the first African American woman to serve in County Board leadership and the second African American Woman elected to the Lake County Board, continuing in that role with honor, integrity, and unwavering commitment until her passing; and

WHEREAS, throughout her tenure, Dr. Mary Ross-Cunningham served with distinction on numerous committees and commissions, including as Chair of the Law and Judicial Committee and Chair of the 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; and

WHEREAS, DR. MARY ROSS-CUNNINGHAM championed meaningful initiatives that improved the lives of residents, including the establishment of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a fixed holiday for County employees, and she worked closely with former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White on efforts to support driver's license reinstatement opportunities; and

WHEREAS, prior to her service on the County Board, Dr. Mary Ross-Cunningham dedicated 29 years to caring for veterans at the Veterans Administration Hospital in North Chicago, reflecting her lifelong commitment to service, compassion, and advocacy for those in need; and

WHEREAS, DR. MARY ROSS-CUNNINGHAM was a tireless advocate for veterans, families, affordable housing, economic opportunity, criminal justice reform, and individuals experiencing homelessness, dedicating countless hours to organizations including the Waukegan Housing Authority, Community Action Partnership, and PADS Lake County; and

WHEREAS, through her steadfast leadership, unwavering advocacy, and dedication to public service, Dr. Mary Ross-Cunningham was a tireless champion for the City of North Chicago, ensuring our community received vital county funding, meaningful support, and strong representation. Her commitment to improving the lives of our residents has left a lasting impact on our city, and her legacy of service will continue to inspire generations to come. She will be profoundly missed by the City of North Chicago and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr. and City Council of the City of North Chicago do hereby honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Mary RossCunningham, expressing profound gratitude for her extraordinary public service, leadership, and dedication. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of North Chicago extends its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to her family, friends, colleagues, and all who were blessed to know and work alongside her.

PASSED AND APPROVED this 6 th day of July, 2026

LEON ROCKINGHAM, JR., MAYOR
LORI L. COLLINS, CITY CLERK