BREAKING: Veteran Chicago newspaper editor Andrea Hanis has died at the age of 56 after a courageous battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. She passed away on November 12, 2023, at a rehabilitation facility on the Gold Coast, as confirmed by her close friend Joyce Winnecke.
Hanis, a beloved figure in journalism, worked at several major publications, including the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, and Crain’s Chicago Business. Her career spanned decades, during which she inspired many as a mentor and leader, known for her creativity and integrity in journalism.
“She lived and breathed integrity and good journalism,” Winnecke stated, highlighting Hanis’s profound impact on her colleagues. Hanis spent over a decade at the Sun-Times in various roles, including travel and lifestyles editor, before retiring as editor of the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin last year.
Born in 1969 in Whiting, Indiana, Hanis earned her journalism degree from Indiana University and began her career at the Louisville Courier-Journal before moving to Chicago in 1993. Her leadership was evident in initiatives like the Tribune’s Blue Sky Innovation project, which sought to engage audiences with stories on technology and entrepreneurship.
Despite her diagnosis, Hanis approached her illness with determination, utilizing her journalistic skills to understand her medical condition. Winnecke noted, “She applied the reporting principles that she used throughout her career toward the diagnosis.” Her insights during doctor appointments showcased her intelligence and commitment.
Colleagues remember Hanis not only for her professional talents but her personal warmth and humor. Shia Kapos, who worked under Hanis at Crain’s, described her as a clear leader who guided her team with vision and care. “She had this clear idea. She trained and guided me,” Kapos said, reflecting on their bond over Greek heritage and shared experiences.
Hanis was also known for her culinary passion, creating themed dinners based on literature, including elaborate dishes inspired by famous chefs. Her creativity extended into the workplace, where she contributed to the development of Crain’s Business of Life section, inspired by popular culture.
As a mentor, Hanis made significant contributions beyond traditional journalism. Her involvement with the Medill Local News Accelerator helped launch the Chicago Social Butterflies newsletter, showcasing her commitment to nurturing new talent in the industry.
Hanis’s friends rallied around her during her illness, celebrating her 56th birthday just a week before her passing. “She was so young,” said Patricia Wood Winn, who was by Hanis’s side at the end. “Her passing was very peaceful.”
A celebration of Andrea Hanis’s life is scheduled for January, as her friends and former colleagues prepare to honor her legacy in journalism and the countless lives she touched.
This tragic loss resonates deeply within the Chicago journalism community, where her spirit and legacy will continue to inspire future generations of reporters and editors.