It is with heavy hearts that we share the unimaginable passing of our Isobel. Only 25 years old and full of life, love, and endless future possibilities.

Isobel was driven by her passions for family, friends, travel, teaching, music, and nature. In all of these ways she has left her mark on the world.

While studying Biology at McMaster University, she became a Teaching Assistant and was honoured with publishing her final year thesis on the 'Nesting of local mason bees in empty exotic snail shells'.

In response to her father Adam’s illness, she joined Students Advocating for Brain Cancer Research (SABCR) and helped raise money and awareness while serving on the group’s senior executive team.

Her love of nature and sweet caring personality led her to roles in the city as well as cottage country as a Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, Camp Counsellor, Educator at Ripley’s Aquarium, and a Teacher with the High Park Nature Centre.

Over the last few years, Isobel really embraced visiting different countries while trying exotic foods and experiencing different cultures.

From the UK to Spain, eastern Canada and Asia she was always planning another adventure.

In March of 2023, she moved to Hiroshima, Japan to work as an Assistant Language Teacher.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, she taught herself Japanese and was very excited to begin this next chapter.

She made friends with her fellow teachers and delighted in spending time with her elementary and junior high school students, where they grew to love the English language thanks to her creative lessons.

Isobel embraced the country’s rich delicacies and customs while also falling in love.

Her final trip was to South Korea to reunite with friends. She came back energised and so happy to share her memories of the sites, incredible food, and moments together while singing karaoke.

There was so much more for her to do but her time was tragically cut short due to heart failure.

She leaves behind her mother Janet; brother Sam; uncles Bill, Joe, Henry and Derek; Aunts Lesia, Lisa, May, Susan, Andie, and Natalie (of Ohio); cousins Alexandra, Mitchell, Ava, Allie, Nicole, Iain, Jack, Audrey, Ashton, and Jihan; her boyfriend Ryoma; treasured dog Ella and many friends around the world.

Visitation will take place in Toronto on Saturday, November 23 at Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel (2357 Bloor Street West) beginning at 9:45 followed at 11:00 by a funeral service.

In Hiroshima, a service took place for her friends, colleagues, and students there.

Isobel’s family has created a memorial fund, which will be used to support the causes she cared about most. Donations can be made here. https://my.charitableimpact.com/groups/the-isobel-fanaki-memorial-fund

Thank you to all who have helped us through this most difficult time and continue to support us.

“Think of her as a cherry blossom - delicate, beautiful, but with a sadly short season”