November 13, 2007 – March 26, 2026
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Anisabeth “Kaiya” Danis Waswa-Rae (Beardy), also lovingly known as “Bino,” on March 26, 2026, at 1:22 PM Eastern Time. Kaiya passed peacefully at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, surrounded by her mother and family. She was 18 years old.
Born on November 13, 2007, in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Kaiya was a cherished daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend. She touched countless lives with her kindness, creativity, and unwavering love.
Kaiya was strong, determined, and fearless. A devoted goalie, she brought grit, focus, and heart to every game she played. She had just earned her certification as a heavy equipment operator, proudly following in her father’s footsteps, a dream she worked hard to achieve.
Her smile could brighten even the heaviest day, and her heart was enormous. She gave freely, offering whatever she had if it meant helping someone else. Caring for others wasn’t something she tried to do; it was simply who she was.
She found joy in cooking, sewing, doing her makeup, building with Lego, and creating with her hands. She adored her nephew Matty, and the bond they shared meant everything to her. She loved her family deeply and held close, the “brothers” she welcomed into her life—young men who had struggled, whom she believed deserved second chances, and whom she never judged.
Kaiya was wonderfully loud, full of energy, and sometimes just the right amount of annoying, the kind of presence that made life feel alive. She could make people laugh even when they didn’t want to, and there were many times her family would send her to her room, only for her to return moments later with a grin that made it impossible to stay upset. Her smile had a way of settling everything down, softening tension and reminding everyone what truly mattered.
Her daddy was her anchor, her comfort, and her favourite person to tease. She would say “Daddy” with a big smile and a voice full of love, and she knew exactly how to twist his arm when she wanted something. Their bond was unshakeable, full of laughter, tenderness, and a connection that will forever be remembered. And when she needed to stand her ground, she had a real, deadly right hook, one that became part of her legend among those who loved her.
Kaiya had a deep passion for sports and her sports communities. She shared her energy and encouragement with her hockey, volleyball, as well as her high school community. Her determination, humour, and generosity left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Kaiya was only 18 years old, carrying a heart that was far too big for the world she was trying to navigate. She had spoken about wanting to be an organ donor — it was something she believed in, something she chose with intention and kindness. Even in the middle of her own pain, she still thought about helping others.
When we lost her, that choice became a gift that saved seven lives. Seven people are alive today because of her. Seven families were spared the heartbreak of losing someone they love. Seven futures were restored because an 18 year old girl had the courage and compassion to make that decision long before anyone imagined it would matter.
Her passing came from a place of deep struggle, not from a lack of love or strength. And yet, even in her hardest moment, she left behind something extraordinary. Those seven lives are not just numbers — they are her kindness made real, her spirit carried forward, her love still moving through the world.
Her legacy lives in seven beating hearts, in seven families who wake up every day with gratitude because of her. For us — her family — those seven lives remind us of who she truly was: gentle, giving, thoughtful, and full of a love that didn’t end when her life did.
Kaiya’s choice continues to guide us toward healing, unity, and compassion. Even in her absence, she is still giving, still helping, still shaping the world in the most beautiful way.
Her strength, her kindness, her quirks, her right hook, and her love will be remembered forever. Kaiya’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, teammates, and all who were touched by her beautiful spirit and think of becoming a donor. Its ok to be one and I know Kaiya is smiling and happy for making her wish come true.
A Wake Service will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026 from 3:00 until 5:00pm in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James, led by Emcee Rodney Martin with Pastor Wayne Brown giving the sermon and singing by Wayne Matthews and Melba Barkman.
Kaiya will then be transported back home to North Caribou Lake First Nation, where Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 1:00 pm, in the Weagamow Lake Evangelical Church, led by Emcee Gilbert Quequish and Pastor Gary Quequish giving the sermon. She will be laid to rest in the Weagamow Lake Community Cemetery following the services, with the committal led by Gilbert Quequish and Pastor Ivan Wapenisk. The Travelling Song will be performed by Knowledge Keeper, Joan Cachagee.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
