Andrea Dianne Nishi

March 01, 1976 - August 02, 2025

Andrea Dianne Nishi passed away on August 2nd with her family at her side. She is survived by her loving husband Grant, and her children Emi and Colin. She is also survived by her parents, Armand and Margaret Thompson; her brother, Neil Thompson (Braunwyn); her nieces, Abby and Claire; as well as her aunt and uncle, Dianne and Brian Burrows; her aunt, Marg Clair; and their respective families. Andrea leaves to mourn her father-in-law, Ken Nishi; brother-in-law, Brian Nishi (Meghan); nieces, Ayami and Kiyomi; nephew, Ryo; and sister-in-law, Lori Kennedy (Jon).

Andrea was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and moved with her parents to Lethbridge, then to Spruce Grove, Alberta, and finally to Richmond in 1987. After graduating from Richmond High, she earned degrees in Human Kinetics and Education from UBC. At UBC, she swam with the Thunderbirds and was awarded Academic All-Canadian in three consecutive years. In 1998, she was named the top Human Kinetics student in her graduating class and was awarded a Wesbrook Scholar designation.

Andrea began her 25-year teaching career at Hugh McRoberts Secondary School before moving into a position as a French Immersion Science and Physical Education teacher at R. A. McMath Secondary School. In addition to her teaching duties at McMath, Andrea organized and coached the school's swim team. Recently, she received an award for 20 years of outstanding service in the development of student athletes in Richmond. Outside of school, Andrea maintained a close connection with her childhood swim club, the Richmond Kigoos, serving as both club President and Director of Officials.

A lifelong learner and dedicated educator, Andrea completed a Graduate Diploma in Education before receiving her Maîtrise en Éducation en Français from Simon Fraser University in 2021 — a reflection of her devotion to professional growth and bilingual education.

Commitment to family was paramount for Andrea. She and Grant first met 38 years ago as young competitive swimmers. They were married in 2001 and welcomed their daughter, Emi, in 2006 and son, Colin, in 2009. Andrea was very proud of her children in all aspects of their lives. Grant, Emi, and Colin were Andrea's raison d'être, and she fought with all her strength to remain with them.

Andrea's strong faith was central to her life. Prior to her illness, she loved assisting with the Youth Ministry at St. Joseph the Worker.

We will miss Andrea—her strength, insights, warmth, and wisdom; the brilliant humour; and witty comments. We are deeply thankful that she was a part of our lives.

A funeral service will be held at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 4451 Williams Rd., Richmond, B.C., on Saturday, August 23, at 10:30 a.m. A reception will follow at the Parish Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Joseph the Worker Youth Ministry.