Obituary: Latisha M. Kennedy Dies at 41

SEYMOUR — Ms. Latisha M. (Gandy) Kennedy, 41, of 31 Patrick Drive passed away unexpectedly on Sunday May 13, 2012 at Griffin Hospital. She was the daughter of Timothy Gandy Sr. and Dorothy (Ireland) Gandy. Latisha was born in Waterbury on February 23, 1971.

She attended Naugatuck schools and graduated from Naugatuck High School. She also graduated from the University of Maryland with her bachelor’s degree. Latisha was currently perusing her master’s degree of Science Technology Management, Project Management. She was a retired master sergeant 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force. During that time, she did two tours of duty in Iraq.

Latisha was awarded the following decorations, medals, badges, citations, and campaign ribbons: Air Force Commendation medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Achievement medal with four oak leave clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with valor device with four oak leaf clusters, Air Force Good Conduct medal with five oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service medal with one service star. Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary medal, Global War on Terrorism Service medal, Korean Service Defense medal, Air Force Overseas ribbon short with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Longevity with four oak leafs clusters, USAF NCO PME Graduate ribbon with one oak leaf cluster, and the Air Force Training ribbon.

Latisha currently worked at Unilever as a Customer Support Analyst. She was also a life long member of Zion Baptist Church. Latisha loved going to the Anime Conventions with her sister, niece, and nephew, playing video games and purchasing the latest gadgets from Apple. Latisha also held a 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo.

Besides her parents she leaves to mourn a brother, Timothy Gandy Jr. of Seymour, a sister Tameka P. Gandy of Waterbury, a step-brother Mark McFarland of Waterbury, a niece Aliayah Stevenson of Waterbury, a nephew Tyrone Stevenson of Waterbury, and her godmother Maria Wilson of Clinton, MD. She also leaves several aunts, uncles, and a host of cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her aunt Barbara J. Evans.

Arrangements: Funeral Service will be held Friday 11 a.m. at Zion Baptist Church, 137 Pearl St. Waterbury. Burial will follow at New Pine Grove Cemetery with full military honors. Calling Hour will be held from 10 - 11 a.m. at the church. Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury has been entrusted with the arrangements.

This obituary was provided by Chase Memorial Parkway Funeral Home.