CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – The United States of America and Massachusetts flags have been lowered to half-staff since the death of State Representative Susan Williams Gifford. Governor Maura Healey has ordered the flags to be lowered to half-staff on October 23rd. The order was issued to honor longtime state lawmaker Rep. Gifford of Wareham, who died of cancer at the age of 64. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Boston Tavern Restaurant in Middleboro. Longtime State Representative Susan Williams Gifford passes away Gifford was a Republican from the town of Wareham in southeastern Massachusetts. She was first elected to the house back in 2002 and served as House minority whip. In September, Gifford lost her primary contest to John Robert Gaskey of Carver, a Republican who is unopposed in the November election. Longtime State Representative Susan Williams Gifford passes away Former Governor Charlie Baker described Gifford as quote “a strong advocate for her district, her community, and her constituents. I am grateful for her friendship, and the more than two decades of service she provided to the 2nd Plymouth District and beyond. My heart goes out to her family and friends as we mourn the loss of an incredible advocate for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.” The flags are lowered to half-staff on all state buildings from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, the date of interment. Local News Headlines State control of Holyoke school district to be removed from underperforming status USPS recommends mail-in ballots be sent by Tuesday to make it for Election Day Flags at half-staff in Massachusetts in honor of State Rep. Susan Williams Gifford Portion of Route 20 in West Springfield closed for construction WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.