StoryCorps Chicago: ‘Life’ Magazine Reporter Covered JFK’s Funeral

Giovanna Breu came with Beth Finke to StoryCorps at the Chicago Cultural Center.
Giovanna Breu came with Beth Finke to StoryCorps at the Chicago Cultural Center. Courtesy of StoryCorps
Giovanna Breu came with Beth Finke to StoryCorps at the Chicago Cultural Center.
Giovanna Breu came with Beth Finke to StoryCorps at the Chicago Cultural Center. Courtesy of StoryCorps

StoryCorps Chicago: ‘Life’ Magazine Reporter Covered JFK’s Funeral

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Fifty-four years ago today, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. Eighty-seven-year-old Giovanna Breu covered Kennedy’s funeral and burial for Life magazine at a time when many female journalists were relegated to the society pages.

Giovanna Breu brought copies of Life magazine, which included her reporting, from around the time of John F. Kennedy’s assassination. (Courtesy of StoryCorps)

Breu still loves writing about other people, but she struggles to write about her own experiences. To help with this, she took a memoir-writing class in Chicago that’s taught by Beth Finke. When Finke learned about Breu’s career, she insisted on bringing her to the StoryCorps booth at the Chicago Cultural Center to pepper her with questions.

Giovanna Breu’s White House Press Pass identifies her by her maiden name. (Courtesy of StoryCorps)

Bill Healy produces StoryCorps for WBEZ. Follow him @chicagoan.