Pansy Kennedy was born in Marion, South Carolina, to the late Robert and Rosa Israel.  Pansy resided in Marion until about 14 years old. Her family then relocated to New Britain, Connecticut, where she attended New Britain High School. She graduated from New Britain High School, in 1964. As Pansy built a life in New Britain she created her own family. Pansy’s family is her pride and joy. She has three children Troy, Kim and Nicole, six granddaughters and one grandson Anndria, Erika, Shante, Raquel, Mel, Victoria and Andre. Pansy adores her five great grandchildren Zaiyare, Myla, Bresais, Jennaveh and Valentina. 

Throughout her career she grew a passion in caring for others working diligently in multiple organizations and giving back to the community. Pansy was employed at Hour Glass Cleaners and Burger King for multiple years and then General Electric for 15 years before working at the Hospital of Central Connecticut.  Pansy worked at the Hospital of Central Connecticut, as Supervisor of Food & Nutrition. After 24 years of service she retired from Hospital of Central Connecticut in January, 2012.  

During that time, she was also enrolled at Middlesex Community Technical College, to further her career, and graduated in 1995 as a Dietetic Supervisor.  

While pursuing her career and supporting her family, Pansy committed herself to working faithfully within the community. In the mid 1990’s she co-sponsored the “Out of the Cold Soup Kitchen” along with Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church, the Salvation Army and New Britain General Hospital.  This soup kitchen was in existence for more than 10 years and Pansy received the Loretta Martinelli Community Service Award for her outstanding contributions to the community.  She has received the J.C. Penney Golden Rule Award, the Capital Area Health Consortium Community Award and the Michele Obama Humanitarian Award for outstanding contributions to humanitarian causes New Britain NAACP.  These awards reflect her dedication to providing for those who are less fortunate within her community. 

Pansy has been a member of Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church for 62 years. She served within her church as a Sunday School Teacher, President of the Stewardess Board and a member of the Deaconess Boards, Class Leader, Laity Council and the Chairman of the Kitchen Committee.  She is also a member of the NAACP and Anna Warmsley Temple #1073 in which she has held the position of Daughter Ruler. Pansy received her Past Grand Daughter Ruler honors in 2019.  

Currently, Pansy volunteers on a weekly basis with the “Grab and Go”, sponsored by Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church. The “Grab and Go”, provides food for the hungry at the Pride of Ct Lodge #1437. Pansy continues to put every effort in committing herself to others with grace and harmony.