November 13, 2007 – March 26, 2026
We are heartbroken to share that Anisabeth “Kaiya” Danis Waswa-Rae (Beardy), also called “Bino” by those close to her, passed away on March 26, 2026, at 1:22 PM Eastern Time. Kaiya left us peacefully at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, surrounded by her mom and family. She was just 18 years old.
Kaiya was born on November 13, 2007, in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She was a loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend who brought kindness and creativity into the lives of many.
She was tough and fearless with a clear sense of determination. As a goalie she gave every game her all-grit and heart were always part of the package. Recently she got certified as a heavy equipment operator – following her dad’s path – something she worked hard to accomplish.
Her smile could lighten up even the darkest days; she had a huge heart. She didn’t just care for people when it was convenient; it was just who she naturally was-always ready to give whatever she had if it helped someone else.
Kaiya loved cooking, sewing, playing with makeup, building Lego sets and making things with her hands. Her nephew Matty meant the world to her – their bond was so special. Family mattered deeply to her too-including the “brothers” she took under her wing-young guys who had rough patches but whom she never judged and believed deserved another chance.
Kaiya wasn’t shy about being loud or full of energy; sometimes maybe even a little annoying in that way only family can be! She had this knack for making people laugh whether they wanted to or not. Lots of times she’d get sent off to her room only to pop back moments later grinning so wide no one could stay mad at her. Her smile calmed everything down-it reminded everyone what really mattered most.
Her dad was like an anchor for her-the one person she felt safe teasing endlessly. When she’d say “Daddy” with that big grin full of love you knew exactly how much fun they had together-and how good Kaiya got at twisting his arm when she wanted something! Their bond is something we’ll never forget – full of laughs and tenderness. And yep – when it came time to stand up for herself? Well let’s just say that right hook became legendary among those who loved her.
Kaiya threw herself into sports with real passion-from hockey goalkeeping to volleyball-and carried that same spirit into school life too. Her drive mixed with humor and generosity made an impression on pretty much everyone lucky enough to know her.
Though only 18 years old Kaiya carried around a heart way bigger than the world seemed ready for. She talked about becoming an organ donor – it meant a lot to her; something chosen out of kindness and thoughtfulness long before anyone expected it would matter so much.
When we lost Kaiya that decision turned into an incredible gift saving seven lives in total-seven people kept living because of what she decided early on-and seven families spared from losing someone they love dearly; seven futures saved by this brave young woman’s choice made well ahead of time.
The struggle behind Kaiya’s passing ran deep-not from lack of love or strength-but still even during those toughest moments what she left behind feels extraordinary. Those seven lives aren’t just numbers-they’re proof of how kindhearted she really was; how much spirit carries on beyond loss; how love keeps moving through us all.
You can find Kaiya’s legacy beating strong in seven hearts today-in families waking up grateful thanks solely because of what she chose for others long ago-for our family especially those seven remind us exactly who Kaiya truly was: thoughtful giving gentle without end even after saying goodbye here.
Kaiya’s choice now helps guide us toward healing pulling us closer together teaching compassion every day-even though she’s gone she’s still giving helping shaping this world beautifully somehow anyway you look at it.
Her strength kindness quirks right hook plus tons more will stay alive forever inside friends family teammates anyone touched by this amazing girl who made donating organs part of herself-it’s okay too if you want-that makes me think Kaiya’s smiling happy proud knowing what happened next from there:
A Wake Service took place Monday March 30th at Westfort Chapel led by Emcee Rodney Martin along with Pastor Wayne Brown delivering the sermon plus singing from Wayne Matthews & Melba Barkman.
Kaiya will then be brought home again North Caribou Lake First Nation where Funeral Services happen Wednesday April first two thousand twenty-six starting at one pm held inside Weagamow Lake Evangelical Church hosted by Emcee Gilbert Quequish while Pastor Gary Quequish shares words during sermon time followed by burial resting place Weagamow Lake Community Cemetery lead committal Gilbert Quequish alongside Pastor Ivan Wapenisk joined by Knowledge Keeper Joan Cachagee performing The Travelling Song afterwards.
Please feel free sign your condolences online anytime at everestofthunderbay. com
! function(f, b, e, v, n, t, s)
{if(f. fbq)return; n=f. fbq=function(){n. call Method?
n. call Method. apply(n, arguments): n. queue. push(arguments)};
if(! f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n. push=n; n. loaded=!0; n. version=’2.0′;
n. queue=[]; t=b. create Element(e); t. async=!0;
t. src=v; s=b. get Elements By Tag Name(e)[0];
s. parent Node. insert Before(t, s)}(window, document,’script’,
‘https://connect. facebook. net/en_US/fbevents. js’);
fbq(‘init’, ‘1329423167624188’);
fbq(‘track’, ‘Page View’);
