Donna M. Aikens

Donna M. Aikens, 91, of New Cumberland, PA, passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at home, with her children by her side. She was born in Amsbry, Cambria County, on March 19, 1935, to the late Ross and Kathleen (Miller) Buchanan.

Born and raised in Western Pennsylvania, Donna was a graduate of Gallitzin High School. Shortly after graduation, she relocated to Philadelphia, where she worked as a telephone operator while attending design school. It was there that she met her future husband, Harry, who worked as a linesman for the telephone company. The two often joked that they had met "through the wires."

In 1975, after Harry accepted a position with the federal government, the family relocated to Fairview Township in York County, where they would spend the remainder of their lives. They would also become devoted parishioners of St. Theresa Catholic Church in New Cumberland.

Donna was a gifted artist with a passion for watercolor painting and photography. In the early 1990s, she was able to fully showcase her creativity as the owner and operator of Bridal Headpieces & Millinery on Hummel Avenue in Lemoyne. She poured her heart into designing beautiful, hand-crafted bridal veils, hats, and accessories, creating custom pieces for countless brides and customers throughout the mid-state.

Known for her meticulous attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills, Donna approached everything she did with care and precision. You'd be hard-pressed to find even a shred of silk left behind if she was on corn-husking duty. She took great pride in maintaining an immaculate home and found enjoyment in gardening and birdwatching.

Long before it was fashionable, Donna embodied the spirit of an independent, hardworking woman. Following Harry's passing in 2009, she was determined to remain in the home they had shared, and she continued to live independently while cherishing every opportunity to spend time with her children and family. Her presence was a blessing in the lives of all who knew her.

Surviving Donna is her son, William H. Aikens of New Cumberland; her daughter, Kelly Aikens-Tuliszewski and her husband, Robert M. Tuliszewski, Sr., M.D. of Lake Meade; two step-grandchildren, Robert Tuliszewski, Jr., M.D. and Nichole Humes; four step-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Harry J. Aikens (dcd. 2009); and sisters, Nancy Wilk, Ilene Buchanan, and Shirley Lego.

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11AM on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, New Cumberland. Immediately following mass, all are invited to visit with family and share a meal in the church’s Little Flower Social Hall.

Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, where she’ll be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Harry.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Donna’s name to St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1300 Bridge Street, New Cumberland, PA 17070.