Overview
- Ferrante's office announced her death early Thanksgiving, noting she had contended with pancreatic cancer for about five years.
- First elected in 2008 and taking office in 2009, she represented the 5th Essex District covering Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea for roughly 16–17 years.
- Gov. Maura Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, House Speaker Ronald Mariano and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr issued tributes highlighting her service and personal resilience.
- Her legacy includes helping establish the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute and Gloucester Biotechnology Academy, bringing the Imagination Library to Cape Ann and expanding The Open Door.
- She served as vice chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, and her office said obituary and service details will be released later.