Longtime Democratic Activist 'MarDee' Xifaras Dies At 74

The Democratic Party lost one of its longest serving political activists this week with the passing of Margaret 'MarDee' Xifaras.

The Marion native passed away Tuesday after battling cancer.

Xifaras worked on Democratic political campaigns for nearly 50 years — including presidential campaigns of Al Gore and Barack Obama.

Locally, she worked as an attorney, as well as on the late Congressman Gerry Studds' campaigns. She also worked frequently with former Gov. Deval Patrick who held high regard for her as both a community organizer and a friend.

Patrick joined WBUR's Morning Edition to remember the friend and colleague he called "MarDee X."