Kayla June Petersen

Kayla June Petersen gently transitioned at Children's Hospital of New Orleans, on Sunday, February 28, 2021, at the age of 11. Her heroic battle with aplastic anemia was shared with the loving care of the staff at Children's Hospital.

She was the cherished daughter, the light and love of Roch and Gaye Petersen; granddaughter of Roch Petersen, Sr. and the late Anna Petersen, and Myron L. and Carole Johnson; and niece of Scott Petersen (Vionne), Wade Johnson (Joni), and Jennifer Johnson. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and loving friends.

Kayla was born and raised in New Orleans, and was in the 6th grade at St. Catherine of Siena School in Metairie. She was honored to be a member of Girl Scout Cadette Troop 42606, and received the Bronze Award. She was a dedicated dance student with Lelia Haller Ballet Classique, where she enjoyed jazz and tap. Kayla was a soccer enthusiast, and played on several Carrollton Boosters teams. She was an honorary member of the Rosary Altar Society at St. Catherine, and alongside her Grammy, Carol, she enjoyed helping with various tasks around the church. For such a young lady, she was already a true New Orleanian with her roots deeply grounded in Mardi Gras. Like a butterfly, Kayla was free spirited, lively, and beautiful, always finding joy in life. Despite the challenge she faced over the last year, Kayla was full of hope, courage, and endurance. Though her time was brief, the deep love and connection to her friends and family will live on in our hearts forever. Everyone she met was blessed with kindness and compassion.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 105 Bonnabel Blvd. in Metairie, on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 12:00PM. A visitation will be held at the church beginning at 10:30AM. A private interment will take place at Metairie Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kayla's memory to Children's Hospital, 200 Henry Clay Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118, www.chnola.org.

To view and sign the guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com