Former Congresswoman and vice presidential candidate Geraldine Ferraro died today from complications of multiple myeloma a blood cancer. She made history in 1984 when she became part of the Democratic ticket and is credited with being the first woman to be placed on a major party ticket as vice president. Geraldine Ferraro was also the first Italian-American to be part of a presidential ticket. Walter Mondale was the Democratic presidential nominee. They ran against incumbents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. They lost the race in a landslide, but Ferraro remained an inspiration to women around the world with her passion for politics.
The former Queens school teacher was born in Newburgh, New York, and died today at Massachusetts General Hospital. President Obama telephoned the Ferraro family and called her a "trailblazer."
She is survived by her husband, businessman John Zaccaro, three children and their spouses, and eight grandchildren.
Article comments
1 - Joseph Cotto
Geraldine was, aside from being the foremost ceiling-smasher of the twentieth century, a true lady in every sense of the word.
Needless to say, her loss is America's as well. My condolences go out to both her friends and family members.