Elizabeth Grace Branstead

Elizabeth Grace Branstead, of Clemson, South Carolina, passed away on November 5, 2026 at the age of 86. A dearly loved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Elizabeth lived a life enriched by learning, discovery, and meaningful connections with others.

Born in Oakland, California, on June 26, 1940, she was the daughter of Louise Crafts Branstead and Robert Branstead. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley, a master’s degree in American Literature from Boston University, and a master’s degree in career counseling from San José State University.

Elizabeth built a career in outplacement and career counseling, helping people navigate professional transitions and find new possibilities. She coauthored From Downsizing to Recovery: Strategic Transition Options for Organizations and Individuals with Richard L. Knowdell and Milan Moravec.

Her love of history and family inspired her to research and write Hubbard Family: Pioneers in America and Branstead Family: Norway to America. Through these books, she preserved generations of family stories, photographs, and connections, leaving a treasured legacy for her children, grandchildren, and generations to come.

An enthusiastic world traveler, Elizabeth delighted in exploring new places and cultures. Closer to home, she enjoyed gardening, knitting, and the beauty of the South Carolina Botanical Garden at Clemson University. She was an avid fan of the Brooks Center for Performing Arts at Clemson University. She was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Clemson and cherished the friendships she formed there. At The Barclay at Clemson, she found another beloved community of friends whose companionship brought her much happiness. Her “Fab 5” friends have endured for decades.

Above all, Elizabeth was dearly loved by her family. She is survived by her three children: Sara Moir Sarasua and her husband, Wayne Sarasua; Steven Hershey Moir and his wife, Sisi Moir; and Christina Elizabeth Moir and her husband, David Smith Jr. She also leaves seven beloved grandchildren: Jonathan Sarasua, Julie Sarasua, Jeremy Sarasua, James Sarasua, Kenny Moir, Ivan Alexander Harjehausen, and Aaron James Harjehausen.

She is also survived by her sister, Patricia Branstead, and her nephews, Drew Branstead-Ganyer and Reed Branstead-Ganyer, along with many cherished friends.

Elizabeth’s legacy lives on in the family stories she preserved, the people she helped, and the love shared by those who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Clemson on November 29, 2026 at 1pm.