Doctor at McMaster Children's Hospital dies after competing in Toronto Triathlon Festival

Dr. Candace Nayman was so focused on helping others in life that it only made sense that she would do so in death as well, her siblings say.

The McMaster Children's Hospital pediatrics resident died Thursday, days after collapsing in the water during a race in the Toronto Triathlon Festival on Sunday, July 24.

At her funeral, held Thursday at Toronto's Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel, her siblings Lauren and Maurice described Candace as someone who loved children, often gave blood and had proudly signed up as an organ donor. 

"In this final gesture, she is saving four lives," said Maurice, as Lauren listed the recipients.

Three women will receive their sister's liver, kidneys and pancreas, while a man will receive her lungs. 

"She is vibrant and brings light to all of our lives," Maurice said, reading a letter the siblings wrote to be read in the operating room at the time of the transplant. "She works tirelessly to improve the lives of all she has met."

After collapsing on Sunday, "lifeguards and kayaks responded immediately in the water," and Candace was "attended to immediately by paramedics when onshore," Triathlon Festival organizers told CBC News.

Toronto Emergency Medical Service says it took her to the hospital in life-threatening condition.

She died at age 27, leaving behind her partner, Seth Kadish, and her parents Nicole and Gary, according to an obituary posted on the funeral home's website.

Her funeral was held the same day. It is Jewish tradition to bury the body as soon as possible after the person has died.

At the funeral, which has been posted on YouTube and viewed nearly 5,000 times as of Friday afternoon, her siblings described a quirky, fun person who loved sports, the outdoors, classical music and