FAYETTEVILLE — Miss Emerson Jean "Emmi" Barbaro, 10, of 151 Ellerslie Drive, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012, while sledding with her best friend and brother, Julian and her two cousins, at their grandparents' home in Dassel, Minn. She is survived by her mother and father, Heather and Richard Barbaro; her five brothers, Ryan of Dexter, Michigan (and his wife, Devon, and children, Andrew, Dane, Mae and Nora); Justin of Fayetteville (and his fiancée, Callie); Brandon of Chapel Hill; Colin of Chapel Hill (and his fiancée, Lauren); and Julian of Fayetteville. She also is survived by her great grandparents, Orval and Alice Lea of Rushford Minn., grandparents, Barb and Craig Kay of Dassel; Aunt Pamela and Uncle Eric Sandstede of Dassel, Aunt Carrie and Uncle Joel Harmala, and cousins Greta, Ryan and Darby of Pequot Lakes, Minnn., Aunt Leah Kay of Duluth, Minn. (and her friend, Michael Clark); Aunt Jeanette Bratti of Wantaugh, N.Y.; and Aunt Kathy and Uncle Charles Prentice of Inverness, Fla. Emmi only lived 10 short years, yet she touched the lives of many. She loved Jesus and she loved life! She woke up every day with a smile on her face and joy in her heart. She was a great soccer player for the Fayetteville Force; ran several 5K races; completed two triathlons; and loved to swim, tumble and flip. She dreamed of competing in the Olympics one day; loved to sing; believed in Santa Claus; and savored the good in all people. She conquered her small world with luminous laughter and boundless energy. She was never ready for bed but always the first one up to start a new day. There were few things that Emmi wasn't truly good at. She welcomed any challenge with relentless determination. She was never afraid of defeat, and win or lose, the result was always the same … a beaming smile from ear to ear. Her small frame carried a big personality and an even bigger heart. Unfortunately, a tragic accident ended her life here on this earth. She now sings and plays for Our Lord in Heaven. We miss her so very much! A celebration of life service will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, at Manna Church, preceded by visitation from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the church. Visitation will also be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013, at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home in Fayetteville. Emmi had been trying to raise money for the American Heart Association: Jump Rope for Heart. In lieu of flowers, please consider going to her blog: forevermissed.com Emerson Barbaro and leave your memories and consider a donation in her name. A celebration of life service will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, at Manna Church, preceded by visitation from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the church. Visitation will also be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013, at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home in Fayetteville.