STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Longtime Staten Islander Iva (Ivy) Hasandras, 67, of New Brighton, a fashion designer, dedicated community leader and a devoted mother and grandmother, died Friday in Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Manhattan.
She was born Iva Wheeler in Long Branch, N.J. and graduated from Middletown Township (N.J.) High School.
After she and George Hasandras wed in 1970, the couple moved to New Brighton.
Mrs. Hasandras attended Pratt Institute, Brooklyn. While studying fashion design, she was offered a job in Manhattan's garment industry in Manhattan, beginning her association with many fashion houses and her specialization in junior sportswear. She retired in 2011.
She also was a costume designer for the Staten Island Community Theater and on the costume team of the annual Renaissance Fair in Tuxedo, N.Y.
In 2003, Mrs. Hasandras received the "Unsung Hero Award," from the National Council of Negro Women for her work with Brighton Heights Reformed Church, St. George, where she was active in fundraising events that benefited community programs.
She was involved in mentoring, education efforts and volunteering, to help girls and young women fulfill their potential. In 2009, while volunteering as a Girl Scout leader for Troop 6513, she received the William A. Morris Humanitarian Award from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, for creating projects that broaden girls' horizons. She was also recognized for her service by Soroptimists International of Staten Island.
An avid traveler, Mrs. Hasandras thoroughly enjoyed work visits to Bali and India as well as camping and outdoors activities with her family.
She was an elder and very active in Brighton Heights Reformed Church.
Surviving are her daughters, Kory Davis and Stephanie and Heather Hasandras; her sister, Juhne Wheeler; two grandchildren, and her former husband, George Hasandras.
The funeral service will be Thursday at 11 a.m. in Brighton Heights Reformed Church, followed by burial in Shoreland Memorial Gardens, Hazlet, N.J. Arrangements are being handled by the Harmon Home for Funerals, West Brighton
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