Joan Astrid Andersen, a Baltimore City Community College educator whose career spanned more than three decades, died Wednesday of brain cancer at Gilchrist Hospice Care. The Towson resident was 70.

Joan Astrid Andersen was born and raised in New York City.

"She had the same maiden name as her future husband. It was the case of a Dane marrying a Swede," said her son, Joseph M. Andersen of Bel Air.

After graduating from Long Island City High School in 1955, Dr. Andersen earned a bachelor's degree in 1960 in history from New York University.

She earned a master's degree in history in 1964, also from NYU, and her doctorate in political science in 1979 from Union Graduate School.

Dr. Andersen began her career at BCCC in 1966 teaching political science and American history.

During her years at the college, she served as acting dean of the faculty, chairwoman of the department of social sciences, chairwoman of the English Language Institute and divisional dean of public sector administrtaion.

Dr. Andersen, who wrote and published numerous academic papers, was a contributing author to "Notable Maryland Women" and "The History of Women in Maryland."

Her work in 1977 earned her an award for "outstanding historical contribution" from the Maryland Commission for Women.

She was a world traveler and a photographer.

Her husband of 25 years, Joseph Andersen, a Prudential Insurance Co. claims adjuster, died in 1986.

There will be no services. Family will receive friends from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. today at Ruck Towson Funeral Home, 1050 York Road.

In addition to her son, Dr. Andersen is survived by two grandchildren.