After a long and tiresome battle with cancer, Barack Obama's grandmother Madelyn Dunham died on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008. According to an article on CNN.com, Obama told his audience Monday night in Charlotte, N.C., that she died in her sleep peacefully with his sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, by her side. He also told listeners that he didn't want to talk about it because it's difficult for him right now.

Recently, there has been many stories about Obama's grandmother in the news because of the profound effect she had on him. Instead of flowers, Obama and Soetoro-Ny have asked that donations be made toward cancer research.

"(She) was the cornerstore of our family and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility," Obama said, according to the article.

With the election hours away, Obama will have to cope with the emotional stress of his grandmother's death and the anticipation of the final "big day."