Kim (Pacelle) Johnsky

Kim Johnsky found peace on January 10, 2025 after a lengthy battle with dementia. She is survived by her daughter Danika (Christopher) Hodges, beloved grandchildren Cora & Charlie; sister Wendy (Neil) Hathaway, niece and nephew Corey and Robert (Lauren) Hathaway; and brothers Wayne (Lisa) Pacelle and Richard Pacelle Jr. (Fenton Martin). She is predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Dennis Johnsky, and parents Richard Pacelle, Sr. and Patricia Kledaras Pacelle. She spent her final moments in the company of Danika and Chris, listening to Fleetwood Mac and Donna Summer. She will be missed terribly by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Kim grew up one of four children in a large and loving multigenerational family that instilled in her a love of giving and togetherness. Kim put her loved ones at the center of everything she did, hosting her large family and friends regularly. She was unrelentingly generous to all, never giving anything but a healthy dose of hugs, gut-busting stories, gifts small and large, and food. She was skilled at making people feel loved and included, and could command a room with her humor, beauty, and warmth.

Kim spent the majority of her working life in the New Haven Public Schools, as a teacher, a staff developer, a principal, and finally a director of schools. There she not only honed her skills as an educator, but she also cultivated many treasured friendships. She touched countless lives with her compassionate dedication to the well-being of the children and families in her schools.

Kim was fiercely loyal and went out of her way to let those she loved know it. She loved spending time in the company of family, friends old and new, relaxing at the beach, shopping, and in more recent years in her role as Mimi to her two beloved grandchildren. She wanted nothing more than to be a grandmother, and cherished every moment spent with Cora and Charlie. Even as her illness continued to progress, she lit up with joy each time they arrived for a visit.

Everyone who knew Kim was better off for it. She leaves scores of friends- from every school or district she worked in to friends from the Thimble Island Beach Club days that became family, and the amazing “Dead End Gang” in Narragansett that she would have loved to have gotten the opportunity to know better. Though her illness took away the version of her we all wanted more time with, the Kim we got in its place was nevertheless engaging, funny and kind, and best of all not embarrassed to break out some dance moves.

Dennis and Danika were in the process of setting up a fund to honor Kim’s work in Early Childhood Education when he passed away unexpectedly. Following his passing, the completion of the Kim and Dennis Johnsky Early Childhood Education (ECE) fund by their family became a way to honor them both. With Kim’s recent passing, Danika, Chris, Cora and Charlie wish to honor Kim and Dennis’ memory and commitment to the well-being of all children by continuing to grow their Legacy Fund. All contributions will provide financial assistance to give children and families opportunities for early care and education that can make a critical difference in their lives.

Visiting hours will take place on Saturday, February 8th from 10 o’clock to 12 o’clock at the West Haven Funeral Home.

*****KIM'S FAMILY HAS ASKED, SHOULD YOU DESIRE , PLEASE MAKE A DONATION OR PLANT A TREE INSTEAD OF SENDING FLOWERS******

The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to the Kim & Dennis Johnsky Early Childhood Education Legacy Fund. Donations can made online at https://friendscenterforchildren.org/give/contribute-on-line/ (select the Kim & Dennis Johnsky Early Childhood Education Legacy Fund), or can be sent to the following address (please indicate Kim & Dennis Johnsky Legacy Fund in memo):

Friends Center for Children, 25 Flint Street, New Haven, CT 06513

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