Vayda Meirong Bryan, 15, of Canton, daughter of James Bryan and Lynn Holmes, and Ann Bryan, passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, as the result of an unfortunate ATV accident. Vayda was born in Guangxi, China on November 5, 2008. Despite spending the first 10 months of her life in an orphanage in China, Vayda came to America and absolutely thrived in her life. Through this experience she inherited traits such as resilience and strength, and this would set the tone for the rest of her years. Vayda would have been entering her sophomore year at Canton Area Jr. Sr. High School and was part of the class of 2027.

Vayda had the most beautiful and pure spirit. Always poised with a smile and a positive attitude, she was kind and respectful to everyone she encountered. She was often described as having a great head on her shoulders and was guided by her strong Christian faith and found peace in reading her Bible, attending Ogdensburg Church youth group and 'His Thousand Hills' Christian Church Camp.

She excelled in the classroom, earning the honor of academic letterman and always making the Honor Roll. She found joy on the volleyball court and on the track and field team. She enjoyed her time playing for the Canton High School volleyball team, Northern Tier volleyball club, as well as attending many volleyball camps and earning "Team Leader" awards for her leadership on the court. Her hard work paid off when she found herself a spot in the starting lineup of her high school volleyball team as well as the honor of athletic letterman as a freshman. In her free time, she liked to read, draw, do diamond painting, attend camping trips with her family, as well as spend time with her friends and teammates.

Vayda was wise beyond her years, yet still so carefree at heart. She embodied all that was good and beautiful in the world. She brought love and light to so many lives and even in her young years, she leaves an everlasting impact in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to love and be loved by her. She will forever be remembered as the young, beautiful, strong person that she was.

Surviving is her father and mother James Bryan and Lynn Holmes, and mother Ann (Looney) Bryan all of Canton; Grandmother Bonnie Bryan of Canton; sister Mickel (Scott) Joseph of Williamsburg, VA; brother Reese (Erin) Holmes of Montoursville; sister Rachel (Tim) Kelley of Granville Summit; grandparents Garry and Kathy Baumunk of Canton; great grandparents; Prentice (Marjorie) Baumunk as well as several special aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and loved ones.

Vayda was predeceased by grandfather Ronald Bryan; Aunt Janice Baumer; and brother Ryan Holmes.

A time of visitation will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024, from 3 - 6 p.m. with funeral services to follow at The North Street Community Church at 177 North St, Canton, PA 17724. Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive in Canton, along with The Ogdensburg Church, are assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Vayda's name may be directed to the Canton High School Booster Club, 509 E. Main Street, Canton, PA 17724. Memories of Vayda and condolences to her family may be shared by visiting www.pepperfuneralhomes.com.