A member of Gov. Chris Gregoire's cabinet has died.

Gregoire said that State Human Resources Director Eva Santos died on Tuesday morning after battling cancer. Gregoire said the 56-year-old Santos was a bright spark in every cabinet meeting and that everyone who worked with her knew of her integrity, skill and passion for service.

Gregoire appointed Santos in 2005. Before that, Santos led the state's Labor Relations Office after working at the Department of Labor and Industries.