From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman to run on a national presidential ticket, has died after a long bout with cancer. She was 75.

Before being selected in 1984 as Mondale's vice-presidential pick, Ferraro was a New York congresswoman, who pushed for the equal rights for women, notably with the Equal Rights Amendment and the Women's Economic Equity Act.

The Queens congresswoman was also seen not only as a trailblazer for women, but also for Italian-Americans.

*** UPDATE *** Here's the statement from Ferraro's family:

"Geraldine A. Ferraro, who earned a place in history in 1984 as the first woman and first Italian-American to run on a major party national ticket, has died, according to her family.  Ms. Ferraro passed away today at Massachusetts General Hospital, surrounded by her loved ones.  The cause of death was complications from multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that she had battled for twelve years.  Ms. Ferraro was seventy-five years old.

"Her family said “Geraldine Anne Ferraro Zaccaro was widely known as a leader, a fighter for justice, and a tireless advocate for those without a voice.  To us, she was a wife, mother, grandmother and aunt, a woman devoted to and deeply loved by her family. Her courage and generosity of spirit throughout her life waging battles big and small, public and personal, will never be forgotten and will be sorely missed.”

"Ms. Ferraro was born on August 26^th, 1935 - Women’s Equality Day - in Newburgh, New York to Antonetta Corrieri and Dominick Ferraro.  She is survived by her husband of 50 years, John A. Zaccaro; her three children and their spouses, Donna Zaccaro Ullman and Paul Ullman, John and Anne Rasmussen Zaccaro, and Laura Zaccaro Lee and Josh Lee; and her eight grandchildren, Matthew and Natalie Ullman, Elizabeth, Samantha and John Zaccaro, and Daisy, Alexander and Jane Lee.  Ms. Ferraro resided in New York City."

*** UPDATE 2 *** Here's the White House's statement on Ferrarro's death (Ferraro was not an Obama fan when he ran in 2008):

Michelle and I were saddened to learn about the passing of Geraldine Ferraro. Geraldine will forever be remembered as a trailblazer who broke down barriers for women, and Americans of all backgrounds and walks of life. Whether it was as a public school teacher, assistant district attorney, Member of Congress, or candidate for Vice President, Geraldine fought to uphold America's founding ideals of equality, justice, and opportunity for all.  And as our Ambassador to the UN Human Rights Commission, she stood up for those ideals around the world. Sasha and Malia will grow up in a more equal America because of the life Geraldine Ferraro chose to live. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her husband, John Zaccaro, her children and grandchildren, and their entire family.