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
22 Responses
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
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.