Barack Obama's grandmother, Madelyn Payne Dunham, died late last night after a battle with cancer. She was 86.

Dunham, who lived in an apartment on Punahou and South Beretania streets, died on the eve of an election in which her grandson was leading in the race to become president.

“She was the cornerstone of our family, and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility,” Obama said in a statement released by his campaign. “She was proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and left this world with the knowledge that her impact on all of us was meaningful and enduring.”

At the University of North Carolina-Charlotte today, Obama said, “;She's gone home,”; as tens of thousands of rowdy supporters  grew silent in an evening drizzle.

“;And she died peacefully in her sleep with my sister at her side. And so there is great joy as well as tears. I'm not going to talk about it too long because it is hard for me to talk about.”;

But he said he wanted people to know a little about her—that she lived through the Great Depression and World War II, working the latter on a bomber assembly line with a baby at home and a husband serving his country. He said she was humble and plain spoken, one of the “;quiet heroes that we have all across America”; working hard and hoping to see their children and grandchildren thrive.

“;That's what we're fighting for,”; Obama said.

Obama flew to Hawaii on Oct. 23 for a 22-hour visit in the final stretch of the campaign to be with the woman he called “Toot,” short for “tutu,” the Hawaiian word for grandmother. He has credited her with his success in life, saying she “poured everything she had into me.”

Her death, which was said to be imminent when he traveled here last month, was announced in a joint statement from Obama and his sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, a teacher at La Pietra-Hawaii School for Girls.

“;Our family wants to thank all of those who sent flowers, cards, well-wishes, and prayers during this difficult time,”; the statement said. “; It brought our grandmother and us great comfort.  Our grandmother was a private woman, and we will respect her wish for a small private ceremony to be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to any worthy organization in search of a cure for cancer.

“;My grandmother made her home on these islands since 1959, and she loved the people of Hawaii,”; Soetoro-Ng said. “;We want to thank Tutu’s friends and extended ohana for the outpouring of aloha over the past few weeks.  We received cards, letters, and gifts that helped lift her spirits, and we are very grateful for everybody’s support.”

Obama learned of her death Monday morning while he was campaigning in Jacksonville, Fla. He planned to go ahead with campaign appearances. The family said a private ceremony would be held later.

Republican John McCain issued condolences to his opponent. “;Our thoughts and prayers go out to them as they remember and celebrate the life of someone who had such a profound impact in their lives,”; the statement by John and Cindy McCain said.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye said his thoughts and prayers are with Sen. Obama and his sister.

He called Dunham a “significant and positive influence on the Senator during his formative years, and he has often acknowledged how her guidance has shaped his values and sense of service.”;

“It is unfortnate that she has left us before she could share in what I believe will be one of Senator Obama’s greatest achievements—his election as President of the United States,” Inouye said.

Outside the apartment building where Dunham died, reporters and TV cameras lined the sidewalk as two police officers were posted near the elevator. Signs hanging in the apartment lobby warned the public to keep out. 

“;So many of us were hoping and praying that his grandmother would have the opportunity to witness her grandson become our next president,”; said state Rep. Marcus Oshiro, an Obama supporter. “;What a bittersweet victory it will be for him. Wow.”;

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The Associated Press and Bloomberg News contributed to this report.