Longtime Massachusetts state Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante died early Thursday morning, her office said. She was 53.

The Democrat represented Gloucester, Essex, Rockport and Manchester-by-the-Sea, in the 5th Essex District. She'd been in the state's House of Representatives for 16 years, taking office in 2009, and state leadership released statements mourning her — read them below.

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Ferrante had pancreatic cancer, her office said in a statement announcing her death on Thanksgiving that thanked all those who supported her "as she contended with this awful disease" over five years.

"Ann-Margaret dedicated her legislative career to ensuring that Cape Ann always had a seat at the table in legislative matters; always foc

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