SACHEEN LAKE – Pend Oreille County's Democratic Party chairwoman Jan Anderson passed away in her sleep early Tuesday morning. "It is with much sadness that we report the passing of our chairwoman and friend, Dr. Janet Anderson, early this morning," Democratic Party secretary Beryl Pielli said in a written statement to The Miner. Upon moving to the county, Anderson became the vice chairwoman for the Pend Oreille Democratic Party and served as the chairwoman for three years. Ron Miller, the Democratic Party vice chairman, said the party members will be holding a meeting soon to determine how they will reorganize. Anderson, a breast cancer survivor, was currently undergoing treatment for a rare leukemia. Close friends and relatives are awaiting the medical examiner to determine the cause of death. Anderson received the 1998 Idaho State University Achievement Award, which is given to one faculty member for action and self-sacrifice on behalf of the university. Anderson retired as a dean emerita from Idaho State University in Pocatello in 1998 and subsequently moved to Pend Oreille County in October 1998. Anderson had earned a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Anderson taught junior high school in Milwaukee for five years before going on to get a master's degree and doctorate in counseling psychology at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. Anderson had worked as a counselor at Idaho State University, eventually becoming the dean of students. The students at Idaho State in Pocatello named the Janet C. Anderson Gender Resource Center after her. Anderson received the National Counselor Educator award before she retired. For about five years, Anderson served as a commissioner for the Sacheen Lake Sewer and Water District after working as the managing secretary for the district. Anderson was an only child, but her cousins, living in Wisconsin were like siblings to her. Anderson was survived by cousins Bob Fusek of Wausaukee, Wis., and Carol Smul, Audrey Paules, Leonard Fehrer and Deanna Smul, all of Milwaukee. Anderson is also survived by Karen Averitt, Ann Havlicak and numerous friends.