Mourners have said the youngster’s ‘gentle nature and quiet strength left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her’
Emma Curtis from Co Meath
Heartbreaking tributes have poured in following the death of a young girl from Co Meath ‘who left a massive impact on everyone who met her’.
Emma Curtis, from Drakestown in Castletown Kilpatrick, passed away on Friday “peacefully, surrounded by her loving family at her home after a long illness carried with great strength,” according to a death notice shared on RIP.ie.
“Emma will be forever loved and greatly missed by her heartbroken parents Aidan and Leesa, adored sister Chloe, grandparents Frank & Eileen, Liam & Imelda, aunts, uncles, relatives and friends,” the notice added.
Emma faced her illness with immense bravery and courage which inspired those around him and the youngster was made an honorary garda by the Little Blue Heroes foundation – a charity operated entirely by volunteers made up of Garda members and staff.
The not-for-profit charity aims to help families in need from local communities in Ireland who have children undergoing long-term medical treatment for serious illness.
With many young children being fascinated by police uniforms and the equipment, they organise for children to become an ‘Honorary Garda’ to live out their dreams.
Emma was made an ‘honorary garda’ by the Little Blue Hero foundation
Gardai in Meath have paid tribute to Emma following her untimely death this week, writing in a post shared on social media: “Our hearts are deeply saddened to hear the very sad news of the passing of our Little Blue Hero Honorary Garda Emma Curtis (HG 499), who passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family.
“Sincerest condolences to Emma’s family, friends and loved ones from us, the members of Navan Garda Station and from Emma’s Garda buddy Garda Sabrina Murray.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”
The social media post was met with an outpouring of support from members of the public, with many adding their own tributes to Emma.
“A beautiful young lady who left a massive impact on everyone who met her, r.i.p Emma, watch over your family,” one person wrote.
While another added: “What a beautiful young girl. So young to be taken, forever young, may you get the best bed in heaven and rest in eternal peace. Sincere condolences to all your family and friends. May they have the strength to get through such a heartbreaking loss. RIP Emma.”
Emma was a pupil at O’Carolan College in Nobber, Co Meath, with her teacher paying an emotional tribute to the tragic youngster.
“My deepest sympathies to Aidan, Leesa and Chloe on the passing of your beautiful Emma. There really are no word,” they said.
“I taught Emma in OCC and remember having a conversation one day after class about her family. She spoke with so much love and warmth when she talked about you all. She will be remembered fondly and always with a smile. Thinking about you all during this heartbreaking time. I’ve no doubt Emma is looking down on you all and will provide you with the strength you need to carry on. Look after one another.”
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While another of Emma’s teachers added: “I am so deeply saddened to hear of Emma’s passing. She was a wonderful student—kind, bright, and full of warmth. Her gentle nature and quiet strength left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. My heartfelt condolences to Aidan, Leesa, Chloe, and all of Emma’s family and friends. Thinking of you all at this heartbreaking time. May she rest in peace.”
Emma will lie in repose at her home from 2pm-7pm on Sunday, arriving at St. Patrick’s Church, Castletown on Monday afternoon for Funeral Mass at 2pm, with burial afterwards in Castletown Cemetery.
Her family have asked for family flowers only, with donations if desired to Little Blue Heroes and LauraLynn, who provide palliative care and support for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
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