URGENT UPDATE: Veteran Chicago newspaper editor Andrea Hanis has tragically passed away at the age of 56 after a courageous 14-month battle with glioblastoma. Hanis died on November 12, 2023, at a rehabilitation facility in Chicago’s Gold Coast, confirmed her close friend and former colleague, Joyce Winnecke.
This devastating news shakes the journalism community, as Hanis was known for her profound impact on various publications, including the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Tribune, and Crain’s Chicago Business. Her legacy as a mentor and leader will resonate deeply among her colleagues and the journalists she inspired.
Hanis started her journalism career after earning a degree from Indiana University. She joined the Sun-Times in 1993 and spent over a decade there, excelling in multiple roles including travel editor and lifestyles editor. Her influence extended beyond the newsroom, as she was instrumental in mentoring a new generation of journalists.
In a heartfelt tribute, Winnecke stated, “She lived and breathed integrity and good journalism.” Hanis was known for her innovative approaches, including her leadership of the Tribune’s Blue Sky Innovation project aimed at engaging younger audiences.
Friends and colleagues remember Hanis not only for her professional achievements but also for her warm spirit. She maintained a close bond with former Sun-Times society columnist Mary Cameron Frey, caring for her during her final days. “Andrea was like an adopted daughter to Mary,” Winnecke noted.
Hanis’ passion for journalism was matched only by her love for cooking and the arts. She created a Great Books club where members would explore literature through themed meals, demonstrating her creativity and zest for life.
Her legacy includes launching initiatives such as the Taking Names column at Crain’s, which reflected her keen insight into workplace dynamics. Shia Kapos, a former colleague, highlighted Hanis’ mentorship, recalling, “She trained and guided me with a clear vision.”
Despite facing her health challenges, Hanis approached her glioblastoma diagnosis with remarkable determination, immersing herself in research and treatment options. Winnecke described her as a “medical student,” utilizing her investigative skills to navigate the complexities of her illness.
As friends rallied around her during her final days, they celebrated her 56th birthday at the hospice center just one week before her passing. “She was so young,” said Patricia Wood Winn, a close friend who was by her side at the end. “Her passing was very peaceful.”
A public celebration of Andrea Hanis’ life is planned for January 2024, where colleagues and friends will gather to honor her enduring impact on journalism and the lives she touched.
The journalism community mourns the loss of a remarkable leader, friend, and advocate for integrity in reporting. As tributes pour in, Hanis’ contributions will not be forgotten, ensuring her spirit lives on in the stories she championed and the lives she influenced.
