WASHINGTON — On April 22, Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald (D-Calif.) died of cancer at her home.
The 68-year-old congresswoman, who was a previous co-sponsor to the Credit Union Regulatory Improvements Act (H.R. 1537), had just begun serving her seventh term representing California's 37th district.
"She was a fairly strong credit union supporter and a CURIA co-sponsor, so we're very sorry to hear that," CUNA Vice President of Legislative Affairs Dean Sagar said. Millender-McDonald announced a major surgery in 2005, but kept any details private. She announced her cancer diagnosis April 19, 2007. According to her official Web site, Millender-McDonald was named one of the five most effective members of Congress by the University of California because of her ability to work in a bipartisan manner. She served as chair of the House Administration Committee and was also on the Small Business and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees.
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In 1997, a Glamour Magazine survey identified Millender-McDonald as "one of eleven women who will change the world." Legislation she advocated included the Mother to Child HIV/AIDS Transmission Act and legislation to increase diabetes research in minority and female populations. She was a life member of the NAACP and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
Millender-McDonald earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Redlands, a master's degree in educational administration from California State University – Los Angeles, and teaching and administration credentials from the California State University system. She left behind a husband, James McDonald Jr., five adult children and five grandchildren.
A special election will be held to find her replacement.
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