Emma Grace Smith died on June 21, 2016, quietly and peacefully, and surrounded by love, at home after a long illness.
Emma was a kind and loving daughter to Diane and Darrell, and sister to Charlie, and grand-daughter to Dawne Doubleday, and Ann and Barry Smith.
Emma was diagnosed with pineoblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, on October 1, 2012. After intensive radiation and chemotherapy, she went into remission in August the following year, but relapsed on October 1, 2014. Emma faced her challenges with dignity and bravery, a wicked sense of humour, and a continued concern for the wellbeing of others rather than herself.
Throughout her twelve years, Emma loved to learn, and then to pass on her knowledge. She was a natural, and from Grade 2 desperately wanted to become an elementary school teacher. When it became obvious that she would not achieve her goal, The University of Victoria graciously awarded Emma an Honorary Teaching Certificate. She was so proud.
Emma enjoyed the whimsical and magical, especially in her readings. She loved the Alice in Wonderland stories, the works of Roald Dahl, and of course, everything Harry Potter. She also loved to dance, but this ability was cruelly taken from her early in her illness.
There are many individuals and organisations that have helped Emma and her family since the diagnosis on October 1, 2012. Although we cannot thank you all, the following receive our special thanks – the pupils, staff, and parents from Cloverdale Traditional School that offered tremendous support when Emma was initially diagnosed; the nurses, doctors, social workers and more at BC Children’s Hospital; everyone connected with Ronald MacDonald House BC; the small but outstanding Paediatric Oncology Team at Victoria General Hospital who are simply amazing; the support services we received after Emma relapsed, especially from Marg and Julie; the wisdom and support from Victoria Hospice; our truly wonderful community that toiled so much to allow us to stay together as a family; and finally to Emma’s fantastic nurses through Sara at Bayshore, that provided the backbone of the support we received.
A private funeral service for family will be held at McCall’s Downtown. A Celebration of Emma’s Life will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Ronald McDonald House BC (https://goo.gl/fAhy8j) or Help Fill A Dream (https://goo.gl/CS6DVF) would be appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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The Stones
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Kelly I did not know Emma well as she was a year behind my son at Cloverdale. I have gotten to know her better through all the posts, however. May you find solace in remembering the good times, the happy times, the funny times, the quiet times, the peaceful times. May those times be everlasting and carry you through the others.
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Heather Horgan My sincere heartfelt condolences on the loss of sweet Emma.
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Cathy , Stephen, Kaitlyn and Max Mingo To Charlie, Diane and Darrell,
Emma lives in all of those who knew her or knew of her. We will remember her laughter and joy of a good, or not so good joke. Her love of all things Potter and mystical things. Magic wands and purple capes. Baking cookies and Halloween. Holding her brother’s hand as they walked down the hallways at school.Emma’s laughter was a thing to behold and will never be forgotten.
We will never forget Emma. She is unforgettable. Diane, Darrell and Charlie, you have graciously shared your private world with so many and we hope you were able to feel our love and support. Thank you for your incredible gift. All our love and deepest sympathy.
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Chandra, Mayura, Romesh and Iman To Diane, Darrell and Charlie,
Words cannot express how sorry we are to hear that your sweet angel passed away. Emma was so beautiful and so sweet and we remember, like yesterday, how she glided through the air like a gazelle in her ballet class. She was the kindest little girl and friend. We believe that God sent her to earth to inspire people and to make you proud. She will always live in our hearts… May God look after her in heaven and may God give you strength to carry on through your unbearable pain. Our deepest sympathies…
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Catherine and Christina Emma gifted me with being one of her confidantes. She had a very mature, intelligent and wicked sense of humour. When she heard the news that the medicines weren’t working she asked to talk with me. We had such amazing talks. In my attempt to honour Emma and her amazing ability with children I will forever treasure the dance stage she shared with eldest daughter who loved watching Emma’s dance videos. To the moment when I brought my 3 week old baby for Emma to hold. And more baby cuddles after that. Emma had that natural way with newborns right through to precautios kids! I will forever remember the way she held my baby and played with my girls.
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Colleen Gratz I am so sad to hear of Emma’s passing. She seemed like she was a true beam of sunshine, always smiling and making the best of all she had to endure. The love she felt from family and friends and gave back will continue to bring light into this world. May her smile from above bring you peace.
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Jan Stringer (ex GMSL) Dear Darrell, Diane and Charlie,
I am so very sorry to hear this news. I cannot find any words of comfort to offer you at this time, except people far away are thinking of you and shedding a tear at Emma’s loss and braveness.
Jan
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Carl Hensman The Queen of Hearts and Lord Voldemort lay begging and pleading at the feet of Emma. She defeated them at every turn through her tenacity and hope. She slayed them with her whit and trampled all over them with her radiant cuteness, which could only ever challenged by sparkly Unicorns. She was an inspiration to us all. She was an example of how life should be embraced. She was simply an extension of her family.
Her family. Three people who personify strength, compassion and resolve. My hope is that I, one day, can be as brilliant as you all are. I am in awe at each of you.
Thank you all for being kind enough to allow me into your life and letting me get to know you and Emma.
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Debbie McNeil Emma was a hero. She inspired so many of us with her bravery. My condolences to all of you. xo
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Maureen Mitchell I was so saddened to learn of the passing of Emma. I saw her featured on the local News, and instantly my heart soared with pride at such a wonderful, selfless exceptional young lady. At the time, I did not realize she was Alice’s beloved niece. My heart goes out to all Emma’s family at this difficult time. May you find solace and comfort in the happy memories shared by your loved ones to help you through this trying time. Although I did not know Emma personally, it is easy to see what an extraordinary girl she was, and that she touched the hearts and lives of many in her short life. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Ailsa & Steve Wright Knowing Emma was a privilege & an honour. She was a very special girl & we will not ever forget her. Thank you Darrell & Diane for creating & raising a wonderful bright spirit in Emma. And thank you both and Charlie for sharing Emma with us. You are a lovely family & we care for you all very much. Ailsa & Steve
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Jeanie Gartly My sincerest condolences on your loss. Although I never knew Emma personally I felt like I got to know her character, spirit, sense of humour and care and love for others through her smile as I followed her journey and my brother Murray shared with me what a special girl she was. May you find much comfort in having raised and shared a special soul with us all. She is at peace and smiling that smile from a special place at this very moment and always.
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Marianna I have not met you personally but have seen you at the oncology clinic several times as my son has been battling cancer. Emma always seemed so gracious and kind to everyone. Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. We’re all thinking and praying for you <3.
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Lisa Though I never had the good fortune to meet your sweet Emma, I came to know precious pieces of her amazing spirit through your posts. Thank you for sharing your journey and most of all thank you for sharing your sparkly,gracious and lovely Emma. Please accept my sincerest condolences for your immense loss. Emma captured many hearts and will forever be remembered in mine. May she dance with the angels.
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Anita(Cherry Blossom) and Chelsea Mesman I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of such a beautiful young lady. I had the pleasure of working with Emma in the 27th Victoria Guides. She was such a social and kind person. After she moved up to Pathfinders, I didn’t see her as much until my daughter started the transition to Lansdowne Middle School. On open house night, for Gr. 5’s, Emma was at the front door welcoming students with her dazling smile. Until we meet again Emma. You will not be forgotten.
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Albus Dumbledore “To have loved so deeply, even though the person who loves us is gone, will give us some protection forever.”
-Albus Dumbledore
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
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Lyric My name is lyric berry. I went to school with Emma. I was in her sixth grade class. I remember the first week of school she said she would be away on Friday but back on Monday. She never came on Monday. Every day I worried about her because I knew she was dealing with her health. I know Emma is an amazing and funny person. I am so sorry for your loss. I know what it’s like to deal with a family member’s cancer. My father is a level 3 cancer survivor, my grandmother died of it and so have 9 others from my family. It’s hard. But I know it’s different because Emma was so young. I believe everything happens for a reason, Emma’s purpose on this planet was to be a symbol for everyone fighting with cancer. Emma provided hope. She was brave and beautiful and awesome. She’s not gone forever. She’s forever in our hearts and will never be forgotten. You’ll see her soon. Just talk to her. Pray to her. And she will hear you, and she will prove to u that she can hear you in her own way. I’m sorry.
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Suzette Goldsworthy Emma such a brave and inspiring beautiful girl. My heartfelt love and prayers to you Darrell, Diane and Charlie as it is those that were touched the closest by Emma, her loving family that hurt the most right now. Know you are in my thoughts.
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Tony and Alma Dear Darrell, Diane and Charlie
So sorry to hear about Emma Grace, we hope you are all holding up, we send all our love to you all, from Tony, Alma, Mandy Roy and Family and Adrian Tracey and Family. xxx
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Michelle K Maluga I am so sorry about Emma. She truly was a special person who touched all who knew her. I consider myself lucky to have known her and been able to spend time with her and your wonderful family. My heart aches for you all.
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Marg So very sorry for your loss.
Dear Diane, Darrell and Charlie,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Emma shined brightly and will be remembered fondly. We have made a donation to the Ronald MacDonald House in Emma’s name.
Nikki, Graham and Chloe