State Rep. Susan Williams Gifford, whose 2nd Plymouth District includes portions of Middleboro, was mourned by town officials and her constituents following her death Tuesday, Oct. 22 at age 64.

“We are heartbroken to hear of the loss of our state representative Sue Gifford and our thoughts and prayers are with her family, especially her husband,’’ Middleboro Town Manager Jay McGrail said.

She began her political career in Wareham. Gifford served on the Select Board for three years prior to winning her first campaign for state representative in 2002 as a Republican.

Renee Abbott, who also served with Gifford on the Select Board remembered her as “very connected” to the Wareham community.

“I’m just very sad to hear of her passing,” Abbott said. “It's a great loss for the entire community.”

Gifford made an impact on the cranberry industry, growers said.

As a member of the cranberry industry revitalization taskforce, which formed in 2016 to combat the financial crisis in the cranberry industry, Gifford and the other members of the taskforce wrote recommendations to address the crisis.

Brian Wick, executive director of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association, said it was “fortunate” the recommendations were implemented.

“This was work that has really made a significant impact on the rural population in helping to pull us out of that economic downturn we were in,” Wick said. “She played a vital role in making it all happen.”

Wareham observed a moment of silence to remember Gifford at Town Meeting on Monday, Oct. 28. Select Board Chair Judith Whiteside listed Gifford’s many accomplishments and her impact on Wareham and the district.

“The legacy of her work will continue to resonate within the 2nd Plymouth District and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the communities she proudly served,” Whiteside said.