Obituary of Florence Jean Pannell
Florence Pannell, age 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Filosa in Danbury.
Florence was born November 10, 1926 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Nicholas and Mabel (Conway) Peana. She graduated from Long Island College Hospital School of Nursing in Brooklyn, NY, in 1947. She enjoyed a long and varied career in nursing until her retirement at age 68.
Florence was fiercely committed to both her career and her family. At a time when it was controversial for women to work outside the home she was proud to say that she had “a career, not just a job”. She held various nursing and nursing leadership positions in her career, but her first love was Pediatrics.
Florence had an indomitable spirit and overcame many hardships in her life. A true child of the Depression, she was a champion scrimper and saver. She was also exceptionally generous. Florence had a huge heart, a sharp mind, a quick wit, and a keen sense of fairness and practicality. She did not suffer fools lightly. Those qualities endeared her to many, and made her a fierce but respected adversary to others. Florence fought for safer staffing conditions for both patients and nurses at Danbury Hospital in the early days of the Connecticut Nurses Association. She never sought the limelight but could always be counted on to be working tirelessly in the background. Service to others was a guiding principle in her life. Florence was a powerful role model for her children, who recognized that she was both a tough cookie and a soft touch.
After her retirement, Florence was a popular member of a babysitting co-op at St. Edward’s. She volunteered at local shelters for battered women, and was a long-time Hospice volunteer. She was always busy, and often said “You can sleep when you’re dead”.
Florence will be sadly missed by her children, Jeanne Daniels of NY, John Pannell and his wife Eileen of PA, Judith Behl of FL, Joyce DeMoore of NY, Jane Pannell of CA, Margaret Bonacci and her husband Dominic of New Fairfield, and James Pannell and his wife Jodi of New Fairfield. She also leaves behind her sisters Lorraine Regan and Claire LoPreto, her brother Robert Peana, and 19 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Florence is predeceased by John, her husband of 71 years, her daughter Joan Pannell, grandson Kevin Pannell, great-granddaughter Rene Olam, sons-in-law Kenneth Daniels and Thomas Behl, brothers Nicholas, Harold, and Edward Peana, and sisters Bernadette Peana, Rita Van Pelt, and Veronica Hunold.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 7th at 10:00am at St. Edward the Confessor Church in New Fairfield with interment to follow in Long Island National Cemetery, Farmingdale, NY.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 6th between the hours of 1:00 and 4:00pm at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury.
The family wishes to thank Brian Pollack, MD, and his staff, and everyone at Filosa for the genuinely loving care they gave to Florence and her family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Americares, Regional Hospice and Palliative Care of Danbury CT, or your local food bank.
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