Colleagues, with great sadness I want to celebrate the life of a remarkable young lady Twyla Isaiah who was born on November 18, 1999, in Yellowknife to Robert Hardisty and Eileen Isaiah, and who left us suddenly on November 9, 2025. Though her time with us was far too short, the warmth, laughter, and love she gave will live on forever in our hearts.
Twyla was more than a daughter, sister, auntie, cousin, and friend. She was a beacon of light for everyone blessed to know her. With seven siblings - Trish, Natasha, Preston, Jordan, Carson, Wesley, and Jarrett - Twyla grew up surrounded by love and lively energy. Even in her big family, she found ways to stand out, shining through her kindness, humour, and the effortless way she made you feel valued. There are moments so small yet so powerful that they tell you everything about a person's heart. For Twyla, it was something as simple as stopping her dad on the street just to give him a hug and say, I love you, Dad. That small act would brighten even the darkest day. Her love for her parents was endless. The way she showed care for her mom was unmatched, and her selflessness was something that everyone witnessed time and time again.
I had the pleasure of knowing this young lady personally, sometimes asking her to house-sit, sometimes running into her at the store or on the street for a quick, cheerful catch-up. No matter how brief those moments were, one thing never changed: Twyla's presence made you feel special and loved. She had that rare gift.
Colleagues, I can tell you Twyla faced life's challenges with kindness and grace. She reminded us that even when obstacles appear, we have the power to meet them with love. She showed us how to love our parents unconditionally, to care for others selflessly, and to lead with compassion. Today, as we remember her, let us carry forward those lessons, to love as openly as she did, to be gentle yet strong, and to bring light into the lives of those around us.
Twyla's spirit will live on in every person she touched and in her family, her friends, and the community that had the privilege of calling her one of their own. Her legacy is one of compassion, selflessness, and love, and qualities that will continue to guide us every day.
Being respectful of the time, I would like to have the remainder of my speech be deemed as read and printed in the Hansard.
Rest peacefully, Twyla. Your light will never fade.
During the service, her father provided some childhood and adulthood stories that I would like to share here today.
Twyla came into this world on a snowy, wind-blown day in Yellowknife, a sign perhaps of her strength and resilience. As the youngest sister, she always looked up to her older siblings and was eager to tag along wherever they went. From a young age, she developed a love for learning reading books and soaking up every bit of knowledge she could find. Many nights, she'd sneak out with her cousins and friends, gathering them together so she could read aloud to them, long after bedtime. Those early signs of curiosity and compassion were already shining through.
As Twyla entered adulthood, her deep care for others became her calling. Whether someone was struggling or celebrating, she was there offering comfort, laughter, and unwavering support. During tough times, Twyla helped bring her friends and family together creating a sense of belonging that many needed. She didn't just stand beside her loved ones; she lifted them up.
We will miss Twyla's joyful spirit deeply, but we are forever grateful for the time we had with her, for the laughter she brought into our lives, and for the memories that will continue to comfort and inspire us.
At the end of the beautiful service, her father, family, and friends shared their most cherished memories. There was a lot of laughter and a few tears during this time. I believe this is how Twyla would have wanted it.
The family would like to thank everyone who offered support during this difficult time. They are deeply appreciative.
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