Barack Obama's grandmother was remembered as a female banking trailblazer and a powerful influence on an Island son who tonight could end up as America's next president.

Madelyn Dunham, who died yesterday in the Beretania Street apartment where she raised Obama, "was a tremendous influence on Sen. Obama's life and not only shaped his growth but his character, integrity and devotion to serving others," Mayor Mufi Hannemann said yesterday. "It's sad beyond words that she won't be here to celebrate her grandson's finest hour, or to see how the child she helped raise has galvanized a nation with his message of hope and change."

At Bank of Hawaii, Dunham rose from a mortgage administrator in 1960 to one of Bankoh's first two female vice presidents in 1970 and was a "true pioneer," said Al Landon, Bank of Hawaii's chairman and CEO.

"During her 25-year career at Bank of Hawaii, she was highly respected for her expertise by the people who worked alongside her," Landon said.

"Mrs. Dunham was a powerful force in shaping the man who may be the next president of the United States," said House Speaker Calvin Say. "I am sure that she would want to urge her grandson to go forward with great purpose, and no matter the outcome of the race, to lead this nation with the sensibility and confidence that was part of her influence."

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai'i, said Obama "has spoken many times about his grandmother's love, support, sacrifice and hard work, which helped to shape his values and laid the foundation for the leader he is today."