Kyoko Waida

Kyoko Waida, age 86, passed away peacefully in Vernon, British Columbia on February 23, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Kyoko was born on February 1, 1940, in Ikeda, Japan. She married Manabu Waida in 1963, and in 1974, they moved to Edmonton after briefly living in Chicago and Rochester, NY (USA), and Halifax, Nova Scotia. She lived in Edmonton for 46 years, and in 2020, she moved to Vernon, British Columbia to live with her daughter Eiko and her family.

Kyoko was a teacher at heart. She was a Sunday school and kindergarten teacher in Japan, and in Edmonton, enjoyed teaching Japanese at the University of Alberta. She was also very involved in the early years of establishing and teaching at the Metro Edmonton Japanese Community School. She felt very strongly about the importance of language in connecting her children with their Japanese heritage. In addition, Kyoko was involved in the Edmonton Japanese Community Association, as well as Japanese “odori” and choir with her friends.

Although faced with many medical hardships, Kyoko always had a smile on her face and lived her life with gratitude, while constantly making her family laugh with her cutting, dry sense of humour. During her battle against cancer, she continually received incredible care from many physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals, in particular Dr. Chris Venner who guided her care for over ten years. Kyoko lived her life with deep faith in God and trusted her life journey to Him.

She is predeceased by her husband, Manabu, and is survived by her sister Miyako (Masao); her three children Eiko (Scott), Reiko (Nick), and Masumi (Sasha); her six grandchildren Christopher, James, Claire, Coco, Eliana, and Aliya; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service, followed by a time for fellowship and remembrance, will be held from 1:00pm-3:30pm on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the Edmonton Japanese Christian Church, located at 9802-76 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Edmonton Japanese Christian Church or the Edmonton Japanese Community Association.

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-546-7237

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: