Emma Valentina Galvez

Emma Valentina Galvez passed away unexpectedly on January 8th, 2025, in Ogden, Utah and returned to the arms of her heavenly father with her loving parents by her side. She made her entrance into this world at Intermountain Medical Center on January 21st, 2013, to her mother Laura Nicolle Cardozo. She was born early at 34.5 weeks and was “5.5 pounds of pure lovin’,” to quote her mom. Her first home was the Neonatal Intensive Care unit where she fought through complications resulting from birth. She spent three months and countless hours of snuggles gaining the strength and abilities that she needed before making her way home to live with her loving family.

Over the next few years of her life, it became apparent that Emma had special medical needs that would require early therapy interventions. The dedication of Emma’s family to her physical therapy helped her achieve milestones that allowed her to interact with her environment and with others in her very special “Emma” way. You didn’t need to speak or do anything, just being together with Emma was enough. 

Her sweet smiles and subtle expressions conveyed her genuine nature. Qualities that were so spectacularly captured in photos that we will cherish all our lives. Highlights of her exceptional eyelashes surrounding her expressive eyes and her long fingers that we will forever remember how it felt to hold. She was truly a beautiful human being in the purest form. 

More than anything, she will be remembered for her fighting spirit. She underwent countless hospital admissions and procedures during her lifetime and her resilience was inspirational. A warrior from the start, she continued to grow and thrive over the years. At the time of her passing, she was in the 6th grade at Windridge elementary. The educational team led by Deena Mulhal was an integral part in helping Emma reach critical milestones that improved her quality of life. 

She is survived by her grandparents Victor Cardozo and Susana Tovar, her parents Laura Cardozo and Travis Hopper, her siblings Erika Santizo and Corbyn Hopper and her aunt Camila Cardozo and uncle David Cardozo, who all love her more than anything. Being a part of this loving family and a cherished friend to so many was the joy of Emma’s life and the happiness that she brought to them each day is something that will forever remain. 

There will be a viewing held on Thursday, January 16th from 5-8 pm at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary. A second viewing will be held the following morning, January 17th from 9:30-10:30 am at Layton 4th ward Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, followed by the funeral services at 11:00 am. She will be laid to rest at the Morgan cemetery immediately following.

Thank you to all who supported Emma in her journey through this life and those who have offered care and condolences to her family in this difficult time. If you wish to donate funds towards the funeral expenses, a GoFundMe has been set up to support the family at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-travis-and-laura-after-their-tragic-loss

Funeral Services will be held Friday January 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Layton 4th Ward, 1480 Phillips Street Kaysville, Utah. Friends may visit with family Thursday January 16, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary 1967 No. Fairfield Road Layton, Utah and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to the funeral.

Interment, South Morgan Cemetery. 

Emma's funeral service will be available by zoom to view at the following link:  https://zoom.us/j/92424309105?pwd=wp1jZGQbEvbqLYbbvnNdDoCOfdvBi8.1

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