"Our guardian angel:" Emma Mertens laid to rest

PEWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Emma Mertens, the Hartland girl who captured the hearts of people around the world was laid to rest.

Family, friends and people from the community packed the pews of Spring Creek Church in Pewaukee.

The 8-year-old died Sunday after a courageous battle against a rare form of cancer. The brain tumor was inoperable.

"It isn't right that this beautiful, precious, kind, little girl died so young. This is not how it's supposed to work."

People at the service wore blue, her favorite color.

"She will forever be our guardian angel, even though no one could've ever imagined she was born here on this earth to become an angel so soon."

Emma also had support from people around the world. She received thousands of pictures of dogs after asking for them in a viral post.

Her father shared his thoughts during the service. “Tammy and I watched Emma pass right in front of us, and I can say I am no longer terrified of death. Absolutely no fear because God is present," said Geoff Mertens.

To keep Emma's memory alive, her family asks for donations to her foundation.