Remembering Elizabeth McGranahan

Elizabeth was a beloved editor of the Harbinger Online. She is remembered for how she inspired others to find happiness in life even when faced with seemingly impossible obstacles. Our thoughts go out to her family. Elizabeth, we miss you dearly, but we know that there will always be a Reason to Smile.

Remembering to Smile: A Eulogy for Elizabeth McGranahan

Elizabeth McGranahan lived a truly inspirational life. She dedicated herself not only to learning, but also to teaching. Some of us will remember her as an editor on the Harbinger Online during its roughest period, others will look back on her passion and skill while debating. But regardless of how we knew Elizabeth we will always remember her perseverance and strength.

Over the past year Elizabeth has been fighting Aplastic Anemia and Dyskeratosis Congenita. Two extremely rare and deadly diseases, her only hope was a successful bone marrow transplant. These circumstances forced her to leave us at Shawnee Mission East to travel up to Minnesota for the treatment.

Elizabeth never gave up and even through the toughest situations she stood strong. During the darkest times of her life Elizabeth blogged of her day to day life, but she did more than tell stories, she reminded us to smile. Her inspirational blog “Reason to Smile” received numerous views and the passion of the public was left in comments to each post. Elizabeth led us through what she called her “successes, failures and obstacles,” but as each word sunk in I can say with all honesty that Elizabeth never failed.

After working with her for over a year I will be not be the first one to say she and I had disagreements, but as I look back on our work I know that out of every argument success emerged. I will always remember Elizabeth for creating one of the country’s most successful online publications. But more importantly I will always remember Elizabeth giving me a Reason to Smile.

Rest in peace Elizabeth.

We will all miss you,

Taylor Haviland and the Harbinger Online

Taylor Haviland was co-editor of the Harbinger Online with Elizabeth.

Click here to read a profile on Elizabeth by Bob Martin.