The Obama family has faced several personal losses in recent years, beginning with the passing of Sarah Onyango Obama in March 2021. Known affectionately as “Mama Sarah,” she was the step-grandmother of former President Barack Obama and a respected educator and philanthropist in Kenya. Mama Sarah played a significant role in raising Barack Obama’s father, instilling in him the importance of education. Her dedication to community service was evident through her foundation, which aimed to provide food and education to orphans. Her death at the age of 99 marked the end of an era for the Obama family and the communities she served.
In July 2023, the Obamas experienced another tragedy with the sudden death of their personal chef, Tafari Campbell. Campbell, who had previously served as a sous chef in the White House, was a beloved member of the Obama household. He drowned in a paddleboarding accident near the family’s residence on Martha’s Vineyard. The incident was ruled an accidental drowning by state officials. The Obamas expressed their heartbreak, remembering Campbell for his culinary talents and warm presence in their lives.
The family faced further sorrow with the passing of Marian Robinson, Michelle Obama’s mother, in May 2024. Robinson, who was 86, had been a steadfast support for the family, even residing in the White House during Barack Obama’s presidency to help care for her granddaughters. Known for her wisdom and resilience, Robinson’s death was a profound loss for the Obamas. Michelle Obama paid tribute to her mother, highlighting her contentment with life and her ability to instill a sense of “enoughness” in those around her.