Emerald Olivia Smith passed away peacefully in her family’s arms on January 20, 2024. She was just five years old. Emmie will be missed every day, but her family takes comfort knowing she is at peace.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Monday, January 29, 2024 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM with a Remembrance Service at 1:00 PM. Services will be held at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (833 S. Marschall Rd.) in Shakopee, MN. Please wear green in honor of Emerald. Family and friends who can’t attend in-person are invited to livestream the service at the following link: Emerald Smith Remembrance Service (Meeting ID: 818 0179 9899 / Passcode: 628641).
Emerald was born in Des Moines, IA on March 29, 2018. Her parents, Chris & Allie (Kail) Smith were thrilled to welcome their beautiful baby girl into the world. She was the youngest of three girls and instantly adored by her sisters, Brooklyn & Bailee.
From the start, Emmie was the sweetest girl. She was quick to smile and loved cuddling with her family. Every now and then her sweet cuddles would include a little love nibble if your fingers got too close to her mouth.
When Emerald was a baby, she began having seizures and was eventually diagnosed with ALG13. This genetic disorder is extremely rare, and Emmie was only the 13 th child in the world with this diagnosis.
Emmie lived a very happy life and enjoyed lots of special moments with her family. She loved taking baths and being in the water. Emmie could swim for hours in her grandparents’ pool. Emmie also enjoyed rolling around on the floor, listening to her favorite music and watching bright colorful lights. She also loved making noise and always needed a paci or rattle nearby.
When Emerald joined an ALG13 study, Allie and Chris met other families who also had beautiful children with ALG13. They found comfort and understanding in these relationships. The Smith family even took a trip down to Florida to visit their closest ALG13 friends. Emmie really loved the day they spent at the beach! Emerald loved vacations with her family.
In 2022, the Smith family moved to Lakeville, MN. Shortly after their move, Emerald developed MIS-C. She was a tough girl and fought hard to get better. She was able to go home with a ventilator. Emmie spent many happy months at home with her family. In January 2024, Emerald’s health began to fade and brought her back to the hospital. She received excellent care and lots of love from her entire medical team. Her doctors and nurses were constantly inspired by this beautiful little girl who spread joy wherever she went.
On January 20, 2024, Emerald’s family said goodbye to her with heavy hearts. She was at peace, and the Minneapolis skyline was lit up with green lights. Her family likes to think this was in honor of Emerald.
Although her time was short, her impact was immense. Emerald will always be remembered for her joyous spirit, kind heart, bright smile and her unwavering strength. She was as unique as they come. She now lives on in the hearts of her parents, Chris & Allie Smith; sisters, Brooklyn, Bailee; grandparents, Chris & Tami Smith, Roger & Carol Kail; great-grandparents Smith, great-grandma Coffman, great grandma Awes; aunts & uncles, Marisa, Angela (Jamie), Chris (Elena), Mia; cousins, other loving relatives and friends.
Emerald is preceded by great-grandparents Marez, great-grandparents Kail, grandpa Coffman and grandpa Awes and great-aunt, Pam.
