Serenity Paige Neiderman, 16, of Lake Placid, passed away in a tragic accident on Thursday, May 22, 2025 on Highway 98, in Sebring, Florida. Serenity was born on August 9, 2008 in Sebring, Florida, to Malinda (Kitchen) Neiderman and David Neiderman. Serenity was then raised by her grandparents, Duane and Charlotte Neiderman, from the age of two.

Serenity was a huge personality under hair made of sunshine with an unforgettable laugh. Her facial expressions were in a constant state of flux. Don't we each remember our favorite one? From a very young age she was a champion of others, a bold communicator, and much too grown up for her own good. She was a little mommy and caregiver. She would not leave her grandparents' side if they were not feeling well and would not hesitate to advocate for them. She loved her pets just a smidge too aggressively but was never without one to love close by. She adored horses most of all and took any chance she could have to be near them. She loved to read and her vocabulary put many adults to shame. "Pardon me?" Did this little thing just say pardon me? She talked like her Papa. 😊

Her early school years were full of hard work and her grades reflected that. She was a good school citizen, earning the respect of students and teachers alike. She always looked forward to the time she spent with her father and mother and also cherished times she had with her other grandmother. She loved her aunts and uncles, and she remained ever hopeful of good towards everyone in her life and treasured each and every moment she could share with those whom she was separated from by circumstances. She cherished her cousins. She looked up and admired the ones who were older, listening as they gave her tips on what was ahead, became a sister and best friend to the one close in age that she shared a home with, and lovingly cared for the ones that were younger than she.

Serenity was raised to cherish the Bible's principles and the hope found within its pages. She loved sharing it with others from a very young age. On June 29, 2019, she dedicated her life to her God Jehovah and was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. She was joined that day by her cousin Jacob. It was a joyful day that they shared with many happy hearts. From that day forward she intensified her efforts as an active preacher of the good news found in the Bible. Who knows, you may have had her come to your door, or heard her share some of her favorite Bible promises firsthand. Her reliance on her heavenly Father, and her application of Bible teachings in her life was evident and a beautiful example.

In 2021, in the midst of the chaos of COVID, Serenity lost her Papa in death. This was an especially challenging time for her. Her heart was often and consistently comforted by the hope she found in the Bible. (Revelation 21:3, 4; Job 14:14, 15; Acts 24:15; Psalms 37:29) She knew she would see him again, as he answered the call of Jesus voice back to life again and would talk about what she thought it would be like. She missed him so much. She held on to that hope as the days went by. Those who love her hold on to that hope now.... As we face the days ahead without her for now.

As her teen years progressed, in addition to attending High School and College as a duel enrolled straight A student, and engaging in her spiritual activities, she began working to save some money. She went from a beautiful goofy tomboy exterior to stunning beauty with a goofy tomboy interior, learning her way around makeup and clothes that made her beauty stand out even more. She found her signature scent, and when you hugged her, her sweet vanilla smell would linger around you. It was like hugging a cookie. She was able to babysit for a while off and on and worked at the local ice cream shop. After leaving the ice cream shop, she volunteered at the hospital. Helping others and learning gave her great satisfaction. She was also finally able to ride horses!!! Local friends in Lake Placid made her dreams come true, and Harley was the big, speckled apple of her eye! Oh, how she loved him. She loved taking her friends there with her. Many beautiful memories were made.

She found great joy in her posse of friends. She never met a stranger, but those closest to her knew she would not hesitate to love them fiercely, boss them soundly, challenge their comfort zones and patience with panache, advise them thoroughly, do all the silly wild in the moment things with them, and pour out her heart in the fullest measure. She loved a good adventure, in gardens, around mountains, at the beach, or even in a back yard. You could often find her dancing, chasing sunsets (and you better not make her miss it!) and being kissed by waves. She was so excited to see her very first snow this year after her very first ride on an airplane! She was deep in the planning stages of her life, a rising senior, when her vibrant life was cut short. Her friends are profoundly affected by her suddenly silenced life. She would have wanted all of us to love them for her until she can pick up where she left off.

Her family and friends know that nothing can come close to filling the space she left, and the world is a little darker without her in it. We look forward to welcoming her back to life again, in that promised paradise, where all death, suffering and tragedy will be gone. Forever.

Here are some shared expressions from the family:

"The thing I loved most about Serenity was her beautiful smile and her compassionate hugs. She always made my life blessed. She loved Jehovah very much and shined like a bright light in my life."

"Ever since she was a baby, no matter where she went, no matter who passed her, she always lit up the room and put a smile on everyone's face. I love her more than anything in my entire life and my biggest hope is that I can spend more time with her."

"I will never forget her baptism day.... she was sooooooo happy..."

"She was my Squidget, and kindred spirit. I look forward to the day when we can race the wind with our very own horses underneath us. Oh, how I will miss her until then…"

"Serenity was special. She was able to light up a room with her silly goofy personality. She always made me feel like the big brother I wanted to be. I will love her forever…"

"I love going in service with her. She helped me when I was falling down out in service, and she helped me up by holding my hand."

"Her name described exactly how she made her environment, the people she talked to and everything around her a total Serenity."

"I love Serenity so much. She was so beautiful, confident and she always brushed my hair when I was feeling down. I don't think it was her time, but Jehovah doesn't give anyone a time."

"I loved her like my own daughter. She was a source of strength to my father, and I viewed her as little sister."

"Serenity was a kind, bright, and beautiful young lady. She was the light of our life. She was our hearts. Our home will never be the same without her. She will forever be remembered and always loved."

"You always showed love to me no matter what. You were more than a niece; you were a little sister and a daughter. You were special, and you were loved. I find comfort knowing you will be in paradise tomorrow, because time doesn't matter when you are asleep."

She is preceded in death by her beloved Papa, Duane Neiderman. She is survived by her beloved Grandma, Charlotte Neiderman, her mother, Melinda Neiderman, father, David Neiderman, her maternal grandparents, Daniel & Brenda Kitchen, her aunts and uncles, Andrew & Elizabeth Morris, Lalo & Rebekah Vega, Michael (Angelina) Neiderman and Jonathan Neiderman, Aimee Walker, and Daniel Kitchen, Jr.; her cousins, Jaymon Caauwe, Jessie Vega, Bella Vega, Jacob Vega, Joanna Vega, Madison Neiderman, Matthias Williams, Makenna Williams, Malachi Neiderman, Adam Thompson, Jaelynn Neiderman and by the family of her heart, the numerous people that she loved and loved her in return.

A Memorial Service will be held for Serenity on June 21, 2025, at 4:00pm, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, located at 172 Holmes Avenue, Lake Placid, FL 33852. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Worldwide Work at donate.jw.org. Her Memorial will also be live streamed via the following Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9449071263?pwd=738hZqda7BCfT2qVCSjqTeAp08x7rG.1&omn=89872126669

Meeting ID: 944 907 1263
Passcode: 342592