Mya Marie Zimmer, a native of Lutcher and a resident of Paulina, peacefully entered into eternal rest at the age of 24 on Tuesday, July 21 6:50 p.m., surrounded by her loving family and many devoted friends.

Mya was welcomed into this world by her parents, Dale “Zip” Zimmer, Sally LeBlanc Zimmer and her brother, Robert Lloyd Zimmer, on Jan. 9, 1991.

Mya is survived by her devoted mother and (for the past three years), her caretaker, Sally LeBlanc Zimmer, her loving brother, Robert Lloyd Zimmer, and her precious godchild, Zander Gaudet.

She was so privileged to have in her life two devoted godparents, John E. Gaudet Jr. and Paula Gaudet Bischoff, and devoted friend Donavon Gilmore. Mya is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Although Mya had many “special” people in her life, her aunt “Nannie Mary” was like a second mom and caretaker to her, especially after Mya lost her dad, leaving Sally alone to raise her two children, both with this terminal disease which consumed an enormous amount of time and dedication from Sally, Mary and many others.

Mya was preceded in death by her father, Dale Zimmer, her paternal grandparents Edward and Gertrude Guidry Zimmer, and her maternal grandparents Lloyd and Marie Waguespack LeBlanc.

From the time Mya was 3 months old, when she was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, until her beautiful departure, she lived her life to the fullest, never allowing her illness to prevent her from pursing her dreams and achieving her goals.

Mya has always been a trooper and a warrior. There was never any task too big or too difficult that she did not attempt, and usually almost always achieved successfully. Mya touched so many people in the community, in the state and throughout the dance world.

She was a devoted friend to many. She was the proud representative of the Bonfire Festival and the Festival of Charities, both for which she served as their reigning Queen for a year. Mya had a zest for life and lived each day to its fullest.

She began a long career of dancing at the age of 2. She was a member of the competition dance company at Jamie’s Dance Dimensions and Yvonne’s Direction in Dance for a total of 14 years, winning many group and individual awards. She was also a member of the Honey Bees, the dance team for the former professional basketball team, the New Orleans Hornets.

Her passion for dance reached out to others as she qualified as an instructor for the professional dance organization, “American All Stars,” and an instructor for Jamie’s Dance Dimensions. She choreographed, taught and perfected routines for the Lutcher High School dance team, the Periquettes, leading them to winning State and National awards.

Academically, Mya received numerous scholarships and awards upon graduation from Lutcher High School. She was most proud of her four-year scholarship to Tulane University in New Orleans. Although Mya tried for many semesters to work toward and receive her degree in Psychology, her illness had other plans for her.

Her will was there, but her body was too weak. That may be her only regret in life and a goal she set that she didn’t achieve.

Mya was active in the St. Joseph Parish Church community, serving as lector at Sacred Heart Church in Gramercy, as well as an active member of the youth group when she was in high school.

Mya loved her religion and relied on prayer, especially during the last few years as she was fighting for her life. She believed in her God, and asked her mom and some of her visitors in the last few months, to stop and pray with her. She is a brave soul and beautiful angel that Heaven has gained.

Mya is definitely dancing with her dad.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 24 at Rose Lynn Funeral Home, 1870 Cabanose Ave. in Lutcher.

Visitation will resume at Rose Lynn Funeral Home at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 25 until 10 a.m.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m., celebrated by Father Vincent Dufresne at St. Michael Catholic Church in Convent.

Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Paulina.

To sign and view the family guestbook, please visit www.roselynnfuneralhome.com.