Rep. Susan Williams Gifford of Wareham died of cancer at age 64 on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

Gifford passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, according to her office.

First elected to represent the 2nd Plymouth District in 2002, the Republican and former Wareham Select Board member won praise from members of both political parties.

Gifford held office for more than two decades, and died while finishing her term after losing the republican nomination to John Gaskey in September 2024.

Gifford was a longtime resident of Wareham, where she lived with her husband Mark Gifford, former Wareham director of municipal maintenance. Gifford served on the Wareham Select Board for three years before becoming a legislator.

Gifford served as the Minority Whip in the House of Representatives and served on a number of different committees including the Buzzards Bay Oil Spill Commission. During her tenure she supported tax cuts and opposed gun reform initiatives and the sheltering of migrants. She frequently advocated in the house for veterans, cranberry growers and fishermen and fought for affordable housing for the district.

2nd Plymouth District state representative hopeful Sarah Hewins offered a message of condolence.

"I was deeply saddened to learn of Susan Williams Gifford’s passing this morning. She served her constituents long and well and will be much missed by all of us. I send my condolences to Mark and the rest of her family. Thank you, Susan."

Hewins added she will be canceling all campaign activities today out of respect to Gifford.

Republican nominee for the 2nd Plymouth District state representative seat John Gaskey commended Gifford for her work to the district.

"Me and my team extend our condolences to all the family and friends of Susan Williams Gifford. She dutifully served the people of 2nd Plymouth for two decades. Everyone that we've spoken to attests to her personal kindness and we're sorry for the loss to the Gifford family and we wish the very best for them as they move on from the tragedy," said Gaskey.

Select Board Chair Judith Whiteside spoke on Gifford’s connection to Wareham and work for the greater district.

“I personally am saddened to hear this news. Susan has been an extraordinarily helpful member of our community as well as being able to represent us at the state level,” Whiteside said. “Her leadership has been marked by her ability to foster bipartisan collaboration, champion vital legislation and address critical issues with a thoughtful and compassionate approach.”

Governor Maura Healey expressed her gratitude for the work Gifford did in a statement Wednesday.

“I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Representative Susan Williams Gifford. She was a dedicated public servant who always put the needs of her constituents first. We will miss her partnership and leadership. My heart goes out to her loved ones, staff and colleagues in the House during this difficult time.”