Deputy Minnesota Secretary of State and marriage equality advocate Ann Kaner-Roth has passed away at age 49.

MINNEAPOLIS - Deputy Minnesota Secretary of State Ann Kaner-Roth died Thursday after a battle with brain cancer. She was 49.

Before joining the Office of Secretary of State in 2015, Ann was a well-known civil rights advocate, most notably serving as executive director of a nonprofit organization called Project 515, which played an instrumental role in enacting marriage equality in Minnesota. Before that, Ann lobbied for early childhood education at the Minnesota Capitol.

"She dedicated her professional life to giving equal voice and equal dignity to as many people as she could," said Secretary of State Steve Simon. "She brought passion and skill and empathy and patience to that work. Her impact will endure."

According to her CaringBridge page, funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 22, at 10:30 a.m. at First Universalist Church, 3400 Dupont Avenue South, Minneapolis.

Shiva will be held at Shir Tikvah, 1360 W. Minnehaha Parkway, Minneapolis, on Saturday at 7 p.m. as well as Sunday and Monday from 4 to 6 p.m.

Contributions in Ann's memory can be made to the Ann Kaner-Roth Fund for Youth, Justice, and Leadership at Shir Tikvah and StillKickin.co that supports people living with glioblastoma.