Wareham Republican Rep. Susan Williams Gifford has died at age 64

In a statement from the House Republican Caucus, her colleagues remembered Gifford for “putting people first.”

“She did an excellent job,” her colleagues wrote. “Her death is a great loss not only to the district, but also to the many family members, friends and colleagues whose lives she touched.”

Gifford most recently served as House Minority Leader, but was also the ranking minority member on the House Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee, the Joint Committee on Agriculture, and the House Human Resources and Employee Engagement Committee.

Gifford, a Michigan native, earned a business degree from Western Michigan University before moving to Massachusetts. Her first public office was on the Wareham Board of Selectmen, where she served from 1999 to 2002 and then ran for state representative.

She also served in other roles, including an appointment by former Governor Mitt Romney as a member of the Buzzards Bay Oil Spill Commission and an appointment by former Governor Deval Patrick's administration as a member of the 1000 Great Places In Massachusetts Commission. Gifford was also a member of the Cranberry Revitalization Task Force, which was created by law in 2015. When she died, she was a member of a steering committee for the Massachusetts Seafood Marketing Commission.

Before taking elected office, Gifford worked as an insurance consultant at Boston-based Insurance Overload Systems, managing workers' compensation claims for victims of the September 11 attacks.

According to her campaign website, Gifford lived in Wareham with her husband, Mark, and their chocolate Labrador retriever, Gusto, whom they adopted from Lucky Lab Rescue.

Former Gov. Charlie Baker expressed gratitude for “their friendship and more than two decades of service.”

“My condolences go out to her family and friends as we mourn the loss of an incredible advocate,” he said in a statement.

Amy Carnevale, chairwoman of the Massachusetts Republican Party, said in a statement that Gifford “inspired conservative women across Massachusetts to get involved in politics” and that her death was a “deep loss.”

“Her leadership was characterized by an unwavering commitment to her values ​​coupled with a unique kindness that touched everyone she met,” Carnevale said. “This is an immeasurable loss for all of us.”

Gov. Maura Healey expressed her condolences in a statement Wednesday and said her office “will miss her partnership and leadership.”

“My condolences go out to her loved ones, staff and colleagues in the House of Representatives during this difficult time,” she said.

Samantha J. Gross can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her @samanthajgross.