Karen Marchioro, a King County political activist who for a dozen years chaired the state Democratic Party, has died.

"Her wisdom, cool demeanor and loyalty have been integral parts to both our state party as well as our lives," current party chairman Dwight Pelz said in a statement sent out this morning. "Karen was a dear friend and she will be greatly missed."

Marchioro was state party chairwoman from 1981 to 1993, coming to the job after serving as chairwoman of the King County Democrats. Although battling cancer, Marchioro was still serving as a member of the Democratic National Committee.

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