State Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante Dies After Long Journey With Cancer

MASSACHUSETTS — Ann-Margaret Ferrante, a Massachusetts state legislator who represented the residents of Cape Ann, has died after a long journey with pancreatic cancer, accoridng to a news release. She was 53.

Rep. Ferrante (D) was elected to the legislature in 2008 and has been dedicated to ensuring that Cape Ann has a seat at the legislative table.

She championed many causes, including the establishment of the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, Inc., and the Gloucester Biotechnology Academy, The Imagination Library for Cape Ann's children, and the expansion of The Open Door, according to the release.

"She has touched the lives of many she never knew and who never knew her," the statement read on her official Facebook page. "A sincere thank you to everyone who has prayed, lent a hand, and loved Ann-Margaret over the past five years as she contended with this awful disease. She never forgot how fortunate she was to have such loving and caring friends."

Gov. Maura Healey and others in the Massachusetts community are mourning the loss.

“I’m heartbroken over the loss of my dear friend State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante. The proud daughter and granddaughter of Gloucester fishermen, Ann-Margaret was a fierce champion for the people of Cape Ann for more than 15 years, always advocating for our fishermen, making Gloucester a hub for marine biotechnology, and investing in vocational training to set students and local businesses up for success," wrote Gov. Healey in a statement. "She was guided by her deep faith, and everything she did was to help others. She was one of the most selfless people I know, and there was no one more loyal to her friends, family and the constituents she served."

Gov. Healey has also ordered that flags be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings.

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