MA Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, who represented the 5th Essex District — including Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, and Manchester — passed away early yesterday at the age of 53 from pancreatic cancer. Since then, an outpouring of support has come from state and local leaders expressing the loss of a dedicated advocate.
“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,” said MA Governor Maura Healey. “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.”
"Today our Commonwealth mourns the loss of Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, a woman whose strength, resolve, and devotion to the people of Cape Ann were extraordinary," said MA Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, who began working with Ferrante 31 years ago. "Ann-Margaret brought the spirit of Gloucester with her everywhere she went — the grit of a fishing family, the heart of a community advocate, and the courage of someone who never backed down from a challenge."
Ferrante first took office in 2008 and served continuously through nine terms representing Cape Ann. A native of Gloucester, her background — fisherman’s daughter turned attorney turned lawmaker — informed her approach to the economic realities of the constituents she served.
Over more than a decade and a half in the Legislature, Ferrante rose to become a central advocate for Cape Ann’s interests at the State House. She held powerful positions of leadership, as vice chair of the Ways and Means and other committees, playing a significant part in shaping state budgets, as well as other positions leading economic development policy, environmental matters, and municipal support. These issues have long been tied to the fishing industry, small business, cultural assets, and coastal identity of the area.
Locals mourned her passing as a great loss for the area.
“She was a gift to our community. I will miss her unfailing dedication and optimism,” Essex Planning Board Chair Lisa O’Donnell wrote early Thanksgiving after hearing the news.
“She was a consistent advocate of Manchester-by-the-Sea since we joined her district,” said Manchester Select Board Chair Ann Harrison. “We are grateful for her steady support and thoughtful participation is our affairs.”
“Rep. Ferrante consistently advocated for her constituents throughout her career,” said Manchester Town Administrator Tony Barletta. “She was a dear friend, a great leader for our community and she will be greatly missed.”
“Ann-Margaret was one of the kindest people I ever had the pleasure of knowing. My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to her family, friends and colleagues,” wrote former Essex Select Board Chair Ruth Pereen.
Ferrante’s work in the district included supporting the establishment of Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, Inc. and Gloucester Biotechnology Academy, bringing the Imagination Library to Cape Ann, and expanding The Open Door Food Pantry’s capacity to assist local residents.
Ferrante disclosed in 2021 that she was undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer and noted at the time that she was immunocompromised. Despite her diagnosis, she continued to work hard.
Even throughout 2025 Ferrante actively and publicly pressed hard to ensure funding in the state budget for critical programs left vulnerable in the face of federal budget. She insisted the cuts coming out of Washington were cruel—especially cuts in SNAP funding for food assistance or cuts to scientific research to advance cures to important diseases—because they would be so consequential to families and residents who most needed support.
After graduating from Tufts University in 1994, Ferrante worked for then–State Rep. Tarr as a legilative aid before earning her J.D. from Suffolk University Law School.
“For me, this loss is profoundly personal. Ann-Margaret was not only a trusted legislative partner, but also a cherished friend — someone my family and I considered part of our own,” said Sen. Tarr, adding, "I will miss her humor, her guidance, her passion and, most of all, her friendship.”
Besides her work with Ways & Means, Ferrante’s record in the Legislature included chairing and vice-chairing several other committees and joint committees, including the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses, the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, and vice-chair positions on the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. She also served as First Division Chair of the House and co-chaired the Tech-Hub Caucus.
In the end, her record showed advocacy for truly significant issues for Cape Ann: commercial fishing and shellfishing, maritime port development, small-business support, community development, and arts and cultural districts. She also worked on workforce development legislation, environmental protections, and matters affecting municipal governance.
A visitation scheduled ahead of funeral services will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in St. Ann's Church, Holy Family Parish, 74 Pleasant Street, Gloucester on Thursday, December 4. A funeral mass follows at 1 p.m.
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