Joan O’Sullivan Vassiliads knew the importance of a hot fudge sundae. Of course, she knew lots of other things – the value of good journalism, the importance of training young writers, the joy of passing along knowledge. But after her last doctor’s appointment, even while eating healthy and drinking blended greens, she knew to go have a hot fudge sundae with her daughters, Darcy Flanders and Demitria Vassiliads. Three weeks later, on Sept. 29, at the age of 82, she lost her battle with cancer, and passed while lying on her favorite sofa, holding the hand of beloved husband, Archie Vassiliads.
Her Career in Journalism
Vassiliads was a three time president of the Newswomen’s Club of New York. Her career in journalism began as copy girl at the New York Sun, and she swiftly moved up the ranks to reporter and award-winning feature writer, and finally, Senior Editor and columnist for Kings Feature Syndicate. Honors include a Front Page Award, two Pegasus Awards from the Newswomen’s Club, and recognition in two national Catherine L. O’Brian competitions for women’s journalism.
Giving Back to the Next Generation
However, her true love came later in life, when she retired and could dedicate most of her time to the Anne O’Hare McCormick Scholarship Fund, which presents annual scholarships to female students from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. As an early pioneer in women’s journalism, Vassiliads believed in supporting future generations of female reporters, and through the end of her life, she remained a freelance contributor to local papers at her New Jersey home.
One Columbia student, class of 2009, knows well the warmth and love Vassiliad bestowed on scholarships beneficiaries. She remembers waking up to her voice on the phone early one summer morning to learn she had won the McCormick Award, and sat “listening in shock to the compliments from this newswoman with the towering reputation.” Vassiliads also offered suggestions for the upcoming semester, and Lee remembers being “struck by her sharp humor and the warmth and vigor of her support for a fledgling journalism in Sacramento, CA, a person she had never even met.”
Joan as a Person
According to those that knew her best, that warmth and vigor was a sustaining part of her personality. Even during painful radiation treatments, she loved telling stories and laughing. This year, even while enduring difficult treatments aimed at her brain, she still went flying off to attend the reception for winners of her beloved Scholarship Fund.
Not even cancer could diminish her sense of humor. Friends recall the time when, while at a dinner dance, a fashionable woman complimented Vassiliad’s lovely gown, and asked about the designer. Vassiliads replied, straight faced,” It’s a Maureen O’Sullivan,” and the fashionista was properly impressed. However, Vassiliads neglected to tell her it was a homemade dress, made by her Aunt Maureen.
Funeral services were held in Bronxville, N.Y. And of course, Vassiliads made one final request. During the meal after the burial, to celebrate her life, all the guests enjoyed a hot fudge sundae in her honor.
Susan Beam - Currently writing for a weekly newspaper, the Columbia Ledger, in Columbia, PA, and for Lancaster County Woman.
