Andrea Hanis

Longtime journalist Andrea Hanis was celebrated for her innovative spirit, sharp wit and ability to bring out the best in writers across Chicago newsrooms.

Andrea died November 12 after a 14-month battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. She was 56.

Most recently Editor of Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Andrea reshaped the 170-year-old publication into a must-read in the legal community. She also held significant leadership roles at the Chicago Tribune, Crain's Chicago Business and the Chicago Sun-Times.

At the Tribune, she launched and led Blue Sky Innovation, a groundbreaking approach to covering technology and entrepreneurship through news stories, profiles and live events.

At Crain's Chicago Business, she created the Business of Life section, introducing a new and popular approach - people-centered business news including philanthropy coverage and the Taking Names column.

During 11 years at the Chicago Sun-Times, Andrea was Travel Editor, winning national awards for her columns and the weekly section she produced.

Andrea moved to Chicago in 1993 from the Louisville Courier-Journal, her first job after earning a journalism degree at Indiana University. Growing up in Whiting, Ind., she skipped two grades and graduated from high school at age 16.

Colleagues spoke of Andrea's gift for helping writers find their voice. She was both a precise wordsmith and a compassionate editor, the kind who could transform a story - and a career - with her insight and encouragement.

Andrea loved a good espresso and was always on the lookout for properly made baklava. She collected Louis Vuitton handbags and Starbucks Christmas ornaments. Her knowledge of "Columbo' couldn't be matched.

She celebrated her Greek heritage, once spending a summer in Greece teaching English.

But her favorite place on the planet was her house in Lakeside, Mich., where she gardened, tracked squirrels and deer, and hosted friends for fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Andrea is preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Mary (Wysong) Hanis; her brother, John; and her beloved pugs, Sadie and Rocco. She is survived by her mother's four sisters, Margie Wysong of Indianapolis; Roberta Wysong of Bloomington, Ind.; Barbara Van Arsdel (Richard) of Crawfordsville, Ind.; and Waneta Cosler of Cary, N.C.

A celebration of Andrea's life will be held in January. Contributions in her name may be made to Chikaming Open Lands (ChikamingOpenLands.org).