Kaya was our firstborn child who adored her brothers Jackson and Isaac.  They spent much time playing together as young children, often with Kaya making the calls.  As they grew up they became close friends and relied on each other for insight and support.

Kaya was inspired by nature, loved the family cottage and took every opportunity to be out on the lake.  She grew up on and around the water and found peace paddling the kayak or canoe.  She could hold her own behind the speedboat too, either slalom skiing or wakeboarding with her brothers.

Kaya loved working with children and was a counsellor for Town of Halton Hills Recreation programs, going on to work in an Administrative role there.  She was held in high regard for her enthusiasm, infectious smile, organizational skills and passion for her role.

Kaya was raised in love and chose to keep deep personal relationships with the people she loves.  She referred to her lifelong best friend, Kara Brownlee (now Witten), as “my non-romantic life partner” and their bond of love is unbroken.  Kaya knew her mind and, especially during her university years she found her voice as a writer.  She was encouraged by mentors who saw her potential and talent, helped reflect it back to her and encouraged her to share her gift with others.  Of the staff at the Ontarion, the Guelph University student newspaper where she was an editor, Kaya said “I have found my people”. We are forever grateful to them for providing her with such a felt sense of belonging.

Kaya is treasured by her large extended family and the Brownlee family, who consider her one of their own.  The connection she shared with Zach, which began at a young age and matured as they did, grew into a deep commitment and love for each other that lit their hopes for the future they were planning together.

Kaya’s intelligent mind, her quick wit, her kind heart and her huge capacity for Love shone through in all that she did. Lucky are those who have experienced so much as one moment of the magic of her 1000-watt smile. For us, her family and chosen family, those of us who experienced it every day for the 21 precious years she was physically with us, we strive to live those very qualities in our own lives every day, in big and small ways. This is how we choose to keep her with us; this is how her Love stays alive – in us.