State Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, a Democrat who represented Essex, Rockport, and Manchester-by-the-Sea and Gloucester, died on Thursday, according to her Facebook profile.

Ferrante, 53, had been sick with pancreatic cancer, according to the announcement.

“First elected to the legislature in 2008, Ann-Margaret dedicated her legislative career to ensuring that Cape Ann always had a seat at the table in legislative matters; always focused on our fishermen, jobs and economic development, and helping those in need,” the statement reads.

Gov. Maura Healey announced on Thursday that flags at all state buildings will be lowered to half-staff beginning Thursday.

The order applies to main or administration buildings of each public institution of the commonwealth, such as town and city halls,

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