URGENT UPDATE: Andrea Hanis, a renowned Chicago newspaper editor, has died at the age of 56 after a courageous battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Hanis passed away on November 12, 2023, at a rehabilitation facility in the Gold Coast, as confirmed by her close friend, Joyce Winnecke.
Hanis dedicated her career to journalism, holding key editorial roles at the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, and most recently, the Chicago Law Bulletin. Her impactful leadership and creative vision shaped the stories of many throughout her more than 20-year career.
Winnecke, who also served as managing editor at the Sun-Times, expressed the profound influence Hanis had on the journalism community, stating, “She lived and breathed integrity and good journalism.” Throughout her career, Hanis mentored a generation of journalists while fostering a collaborative spirit among her colleagues.
Hanis was born in 1969 in Whiting, Indiana, and earned her journalism degree from Indiana University. She joined the Sun-Times in 1993, where she excelled in various editorial roles, including travel editor and lifestyles editor. Her friends remembered her as a beacon of integrity who demanded the highest standards from her team.
In the face of her diagnosis, Hanis took an active role in understanding her condition, applying her journalistic skills to research and engage with medical professionals. Winnecke noted, “She applied the reporting principles that she used throughout her career toward the diagnosis.”
Her influence extended beyond the newsroom. Hanis was instrumental in launching the Chicago Social Butterflies newsletter through the Medill Local News Accelerator, helping cultivate new voices in community journalism. Former colleagues described her kindness, sense of humor, and insightful editorial guidance.
Hanis was celebrated for her creativity, including culinary adventures that brought friends together in themed cooking experiences. Her passion for storytelling was evident in her work on innovative projects, like the Tribune’s Blue Sky Innovation, which focused on technology and entrepreneurship.
The news of her passing has left a profound impact on those who knew her. Patricia Wood Winn, a close friend, shared, “When I read professional accolades, I think of our shared meals and conversations, rather than only her career achievements.”
A celebration of Hanis’ life is planned for January, allowing friends and colleagues to honor her legacy and the indelible mark she left on journalism in Chicago.
As the community mourns the loss of a dedicated journalist and beloved friend, her commitment to integrity in reporting remains an enduring inspiration for many.
