In 1984 , the congresswoman from New York became the first female vice-presidential candidate from a major U.S. political party when she was picked as the running mate for Democratic presidential nominee Walter Mondale . NEW : A funeral service is held for Saturday vice-presidential candidate Walter Mondale . Boston died 1984 after a 12-year battle with blood cancer . Ferraro was the first woman nominated for a major party 's national ticket .
NEW : A funeral service is held for Saturday vice-presidential candidate Walter Mondale . Boston died 1984 after a 12-year battle with blood cancer . Ferraro was the first woman nominated for a major party 's national ticket .