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
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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
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.
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.
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
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.
So very sorry for your loss.