SAINT PAUL — Deputy Minnesota Secretary of State Ann Kaner-Roth died on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017 after a battle with brain cancer. She was 49 years old, and is survived by her husband Marc Roth and their three children, Avia, Ari, and Isa. Before joining the Office of Secretary of State as Deputy in January 2015, Ann had been a longstanding and well-known civil rights advocate, most notably as executive director of a nonprofit organization called Project 515, which played an instrumental role in enacting marriage equality in Minnesota. Before that, she lobbied for early childhood education at the Minnesota Capitol.
Secretary of State Steve Simon issued the following statement:
“The world has lost a special soul with the passing of Ann Kaner-Roth. On behalf of my entire office, I’m devastated by her death – and I’m heartbroken for her family. She was my friend, my collaborator, and my colleague. She dedicated her professional life to giving equal voice and equal dignity to as many people as she could. She brought passion and skill and empathy and patience to that work. She achieved great success, while always deflecting credit. Her impact will endure. She inspired many people – including me. The best way to honor her is to live by her example. May her memory continue to be a blessing.”
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