"Fran and Mary, I was deeply saddened to learn of Liz's passing. Reading the obituary I can tell she brought a lot of joy to your family and the world. May your happy remembrances bring you comfort going forward. "
In loving memory of
Elizabeth Marie Harkins
August 7, 1995 - May 21, 2020
Elizabeth Marie Harkins passed away suddenly at home on Thursday, May 21, 2020 from complications related to a cardiac condition. Liz is survived by her loving parents Fran and Mary Harkins, brothers Francis and Matthew, paternal grandparents Frank and Betty Ann Harkins (Glenside), maternal grandmother Susan Lawlor (Ambler), and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. All of us miss her terribly.
Liz immediately caused a stir when she came into the world. Born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, she fought through multiple surgeries during the first two years of her life, with the first surgery coming at four days old. Even during these early years, Liz endeared herself to everyone with her big blue eyes, cute smile, infectious laugh, and spunky personality. HLHS did not slow her down, though. Many people acquainted with Liz did not know about her condition because she lived her life as normally and fully as possible.
Liz's drive to experience life pulled her in many directions. She loved to travel, having visited London and Spain while in high school, followed by Ireland last year with her family. Liz would think nothing of hopping on a plane to visit friends in Dallas, Nashville, or Los Angeles, or making a run up to New York City to have lunch and see a play on Broadway. On a more permanent basis, Liz lived for a couple of years in Scottsdale, AZ. During that time she was able to enjoy the American Southwest, but realized Pennsylvania was her true home and moved back in spring of 2019. Wherever she traveled or lived, Liz had a nose for finding good restaurants, and was happy to share those places with others, especially if they were paying. Liz had a sixth sense for adventure and beauty, wherever she could find it. The best way she used this skill was to find the beauty in people and the places she visited, and she was on her way to becoming a citizen of the world.
Socializing with her friends was also an important part of Liz's life. Whether she was out with a few people, at a party, or more recently sharing a movie or chat on Zoom, she aspired to have fun with her friends. Liz was one of those people who could make friends easily with her sunny personality, quick wit, and sense of humor. She also made life-long friends like those from Penn State and Camp Echo, a cardiac-themed summer camp where she was a camper and counselor for many years. Liz filled her social media pages with bright smiles and funny antics from her travels and her experiences with her many friends, mixed with more serious philosophical musings on life. Liz had a knack for finding the best qualities in people and enhancing them in her posts. She extended this skill in her most recent position as a social media coordinator at Mount Saint Joseph's Academy, where she enjoyed highlighting the work of other strong young women. Girl Power Rules!
Liz was a creative spirit, and she had many passions, including photography, making memes (often poking fun at family situations), creating and editing videos, writing reviews and opinion pieces about her favorite tv shows and movies, cooking delicious meals using recipes found in her burgeoning collection of cookbooks, and baking tasty treats which her family enjoyed mightily as confirmed carbo-vores. She was always on the lookout for new creative outlets, and most recently took a stab at needlepoint, although with mixed results.
Teaching her family how to embrace life for the moment is a gift she gave us that we will carry on. Being the big sister was a role she relished and her brothers took in good humor, but they also kept her grounded. She knew exactly how to make her parents feel special, too. Beyond daily interactions, she loved to surprise us with her thoughtfulness, like an unexpected trip home to completely surprise her father one Thanksgiving, or popping in unannounced for her mother's birthday celebration. We will most certainly miss her funny texts, out-loud laughter when watching a video on TV or her laptop, and her knowledge of Marvel movie canon. From the day she was born, she kept us on her toes. Liz also had an extra-special bond with her grandparents, as she looked to spend time with them on a regular basis, whether it was to visit at their house while grabbing Harkins' iced tea and cookies, going out for breakfast, baking with Grandmom, hanging out on the front porch on a nice day, taking bamboo painting and pottery lessons with Grandma Sue, or simply enjoying a family event. Liz cherished these times, and she understood how to distill joy from simple diversions.
In lieu of flowers, we kindly request donations in memory of Elizabeth to the "Fontan FORWARD Fund" at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Click this link https://tinyurl.com/y85vt7lr for detailed online instructions, or mail a check to CHOP Foundation, PO Box 781352, Philadelphia, PA 19178-1352, so that other children born with similar complex congenital heart defects can benefit from the care and research that helped Liz lead such a spectacular life. Mary and Fran will be forever grateful for the skill, support, and love of her medical teams.
Relatives and friends are invited to Liz's Memorial Mass on July 18, 2020 with Msgr. Stephen P. McHenry, pastor and celebrant.
Visitation:
• Saturday, July 18, 2020
• 10:15 AM to 11:00 AM at St Anthony of Padua, Ambler, PA
• Family will welcome those who will not be attending the reception following Mass
Service:
• Saturday, July 18, 2020
• 11:00 AM Memorial Mass at St Anthony of Padua, Ambler, PA
Reception:
• Saturday, July 18, 2020
• 12:30 PM Friends and family members are invited to a Celebration of Life Reception
• Manufacturer's Golf and Country Club, Ft Washington, PA
To plan for social distancing, kindly let us know if you are coming to reception by clicking here https://forms.gle/eLuFrochdf9jNAM57
Please note: Masks and social distancing will be necessary at the church and the reception.
Thank you for stopping by to read about our dearest Liz. These few words convey only a fraction of the person Liz was, and there are no words to truly communicate how much she will be missed in this world. Liz shared her light, love, and joy with everyone around her.
FOR CHOP DONATION QUESTION: EMAIL giving@email.chop.edu
Tributes
"I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS IT TRULY BREAKS MY HEART AS A PARENT OF CHILDREN THE SAME AGE. MAY GOD KEEP YOU SAFE AND WELL . HEARTBREAKING BE WELL "
"Liz was a coworker turned friend and she filled my life with so much joy, laughter, and THE BEST movies. Any time a movie was coming out that she was excited about, she would preorder us tickets and it would be all we would talk about. I will miss her so much. I pass along all of my love to your family. "
"Mary - I am so sad to hear the news of Liz's passing. She was a vibrant, positive person whenever I met her. I wish you and your family comfort and peace during this difficult time."
"Fran and Mary and family, our hearts are filled with sorrow and sadness on the news of Liz passing. Words cannot express the fealings you must have. You will be in our prayers and thoughts and wish our deepest condolences in this difficult time. "
"dEep condolences from the Maintenance department we only knew Liz for a short time but it didn't take us long to see she was a sweet young lady. Brian Webb Manager "
"Fran and Mary , I can't even imagine the pain you feel right now. I hope the memories of your dear Elizabeth will bring you both some comfort. God Bless Your Family?"
"Liz was an amazing coworker, who always worked hard and took her job seriously. I know she put a lot of smiles on the guest faces. I pray for you all. "
"Fran and family. Very sorry to hear about Liz. Our deepest condolences. Ken and Paula Braunstein"
"Fran, Mary, Francis and Matt, there are so many memories of Liz punctuated by sass, spunk, and pure joy! She warmed my heart with her hugs and delighted me with her smiles. I am ever so grateful to have been in her life as I adore being in yours! Liz is forever loved and always remembered. Sharing Sympathy, Wishing Comfort, Praying for Peace, With Love. Burunda "
"Dear Fran & family. So very sorry to hear this very sad news. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you during these very tough times. Sincerely George Bifano"
"Fran, Mary, Francis and Matthew, We are so sorry for the loss of Liz. We remember so fondly our girls playing together at the Harkins parties. We are praying for all of you. Love, Mike, B.J., Meghan, Kelly and Emily Jusczak"
"Fran, I am so sorry to hear about your Liz. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely Lauri Hack"
"Fran, thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this sad time. May the happy memories keep you strong and stay with you forever. Sincerely, Sue Bond"
"Liz was a strong and lovely young lady who didn't allow her health issue to limit her life experiences. There are no words sufficient enough to express the sorrow that many people are feeling at the loss of our daughter."
"Thoughts and prayers for your family Mary. Liz was an amazing young woman. Love, Susan Meyers"
"I went to high school with Liz and she was always such a positive light. She will be greatly missed. Sending love to your entire family during this difficult time. "
"I had the pleasure of coaching Liz for OLHC CYO softball. Over the years, certain players stick out in your mind, and Liz was certainly one of them. She always put 100% effort into everything she did, and never had anything but a smile on her face. I have not thought about her in a long time, but was very sad to hear of her passing. Young ladies like her are the reason that people want to coach youth sports. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. Andy and Mary Marsden"
"Mary and family...I am truly sorry to learn of Liz?s passing. You and your family are in my thoughts. I remember how so proud you were of your kids. Please take care."
"I will always remember Liz?s kindness from our days at UMSC. She was always looking out for Shannon and Katie. Whether it was playing with them in the pool or taking them to the snack bar. We will always remember her with smiles in our hearts. The Mays"
"God be with your family, Liz. You are with the Lord and enjoying the Beatific Vision. Your smile and love of life will always be remembered. Thank you for touching my life."
"To the Harkins family from the Hamilton family. we are truly sorry for your loss, take solace in the precious moments you have all spent with your daughter, grand daughter, cousin, niece, aunt, best friend etc. My family had many opportunities to interact with Liz when ever there was any type of family gather that Ed and Carol Harkins would host. Liz was always so polite and who could forget the big smile she always had on her face. To Mary and Fran you raised a wonderful daughter. May she Sleep in Peace with the Lord.????"
"My heart is broken Liz brought that beautiful smile to the SBA stage and I had the sincere pleasure of knowing her - "
"We are so very sorry for your loss. Liz was always happy and was an amazing friend to my daughter, Allie. She will be greatly missed. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time."
"I remember Liz being a girl with a beautiful smile in my sixth grade homeroom. The year was better because of her presence."