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Geraldine Ferraro Remembered as a Pioneer for Women

By Adam Nichols | March 27, 2011 2:27pm | Updated on March 27, 2011 2:26pm
Geraldine Ferraro, who died Saturday.
Geraldine Ferraro, who died Saturday.
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Stephan Savoia/AP Images

By Adam Nichols

DNAinfo News Editor

MANHATTAN —She was a Manhattanite who changed the world.

Geraldine Ferraro, who died Saturday aged 75, smashed through a glass ceiling in 1984 when she became the first woman to stand for Vice President.

"Geraldine will forever be remembered as a trailblazer who broke down barriers for women and Americans of all backgrounds and walks of life," said President Obama.

"(My daughters) Sasha and Malia will grow up in a more equal America because of the life Geraldine Ferraro chose to live."

The Democrat, who served as a Queens congresswoman and lived in Manhattan, accepted her party's nomination for Vice President in 1984, running alongside Walter Mondale.

It was the first time a major party had nominated a woman to run for national office.

Her contribution was marked by New York politicians Saturday.

"In New York, we remember her also for a lifetime of service to our city," said Mayor Bloomberg.

"New York City's  history is filled with leaders who came before us and helped make New York a place of opportunity for all, and Geraldine Ferraro will be remembered always as one of them."

Governor Andrew Cuomo said, "Geraldine's accomplishments served as a milestone in our country's acceptance of equality and diversity."

He continued, "As a role model for women across the world, she demonstrated that glass ceilings can be shattered."