In Loving Memory of Emberly Our "Spit Ball of Fire"

Born April 9, 2025 – Passed May 3, 2025

Our beloved Emberly Reece McCormick came into the world with a spark, and in just three weeks, she lit our hearts with more love and wonder than we ever imagined possible. Affectionately known as our "Spit Ball of Fire," Emberly was small in size but mighty in spirit—already showing us her strength, sass, and sweet soul.

Though her time with us was brief, the love she gave and the joy she brought will stay with us forever. Emberly's favorite things included eating Mama's milk, snuggling with her sissy, being swaddled up all snug and cozy, swinging gently in her MamaRoo swing, and sunbathing in warm patches of sunlight. These simple pleasures brought her peace—and gave us memories we will hold close forever.

Emberly is deeply loved and remembered by her parents, Vita McCormick and Reece McCormick, and her big sister, River McCormick. She is also cherished by her grandparents: Heather VanHausen, Dawn and Kevin McCormick, and James and Tomoe McMillian; her aunts and uncles: Kayle and Bryan McCormick, Katie and Sean McCormick, Fiona VanHausen (Greg Williamson), and Alexander Hanahan; and her adoptive aunts and uncles: Aryan Gamble (Danny Hysong), Julia and Jake Cowell, and many others who are too numerous to name—all of whom hold her in their hearts.

Emberly, you changed our world in the most beautiful way. You were our firework—burning bright and unforgettable. We will miss your warmth, your fight, and your fierce little presence every single day.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Emberly's honor on Saturday, May 10, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Eastmont 1229 Jefferson Heights Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235.  Located on the lower level

We kindly ask guests to wear bright colors to celebrate the life Emberly did live, instead of mourning the life she could have had.

The family kindly requests no flowers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either:

The NICU at Forbes Regional Hospital via SupportAHN.org – choose your preferred donation method and amount
The NICU at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh via GiveToChildrens.org

Rest peacefully, sweet Emberly.

You were—and always will be—our fire, our love, our baby girl.

Services entrusted to the BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND ALTERNATIVE SERVICES, INC., Oakmont.