[naviga:font color="#000000"]June Elizabeth (Pavao) Kennedy, 79, of New Milford and previously of Newtown, died November 2, after a brief illness, in the Candlewood Valley Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by a caring, loving family and community.

[naviga:font color="#000000"]Her brother, John Pavao of Newtown; her children, Laura and Bob Bjorklund of Rockwall, Texas, Kevin and Nancy Kennedy of Danbury, Theresa Luallen and Bob McInerney of Brookfield, and Roberta Mateer and Joe Gargon of New Milford; her grandchildren, David and Kyle Kennedy, Brooke and Sarah Luallen, Alex and Mary-Kate Nolan, and Duncan and Sean Mateer; and one great-grandchild survive her.

[naviga:font color="#000000"]Her mother, Emma Pavao; her father, Antone Pavao; and sons-in-law Richard Nolan and Kevin Mateer, predeceased her.

[naviga:font color="#000000"]Ms Kennedy was a graduate of Newtown High school and Western Connecticut State University with a degree in music education. She was known as an extremely gifted pianist and had a career as a music teacher. After teaching, she became a realtor.

[naviga:font color="#000000"]She had a great love for her family, animals, and reading, which she instilled in all of her children and grandchildren. Throughout her life, Ms Kennedy would adopt stray animals and give them a safe, loving home. She enjoyed decorating for the holidays and had a passion for theater arts and classical music. She loved spending holidays and family occasions with her children and grandchildren.

[naviga:font color="#000000"]Her loved ones say Ms Kennedy made many friends wherever she went. She made a loving impact on everyone around her, especially the past few years at the Candlewood Valley Center, where they remember her most as a happy, positive person. She was always involved in activities — in particular, playing bingo with her friends. She touched the lives of many with her smile, laugh, and generosity. Ms Kennedy will truly be missed and remembered by many that knew her.

[naviga:font color="#000000"]A small service with family and friends in celebration of Ms Kennedy’s life will take place Wednesday, November 7, at 11 am, in Mountain Church of God, 159 Pocono Road, Brookfield.

[naviga:font color="#000000"]In lieu of donations, contributions can be made to BeCAUSE 4 PAWS Animal Rescue Service, .PO Box 1173, New Milford CT 06776