Donna Mae Aherns Baker's Obituary
Donna Mae Aherns Baker, 79, Garnet Valley, PA passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family.
Born in Patterson, NJ on October 21, 1946, Donna spent 31 years and 6 months working for the FAA, retiring on December 30, 1997. In those 31 plus years she started as a "Simulation Pilot", helping to train Air Traffic Controllers airport simulation procedures. Donna always wanted to move forward in her career, continuing her with numerous college and FAA courses. When Donna retired, she was working on staff with the FAA Technical Center's Director, and amazing accomplishment.
Donna received numerous awards during her professional career, including recognition and for extraordinary leadership; as the FAA Technical Center Chairperson for the 1991 Combined Federal Campaign, inspiring leadership and promoting assistance to the less fortunate. She received the Distinguished Career Service Award in recognition of a career marked by significant accomplishments and sustained excellence. Donna also completed the "Seminars for Prospective Woman Managers".
Donna loved being a homemaker, decorating the entire house to match the changing seasons. Her absolute favorite time was decorating and baking during the Christmas season. She would fill 10-gallon glass jars with different cookies and share as gifts. She would also make different preserves throughout to give away. Donna loved to cook and bake and making desserts was her favorite.
Some of Donna's hobbies were crocheting Afghans for adults and many, many Baby blankets. I was always amazed at how she could crochet and watch TV at the same time. Donna would say often joking "Don't talk to me when I'm crocheting" She also loved playing Harry Potter games on her tablet, and traveling, especially to Maui, Hawaii where she and her husband lived for eight years. Above all Donna cherished time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Donna is survived by her husband, Leonard, Sisters Roxann (Nick), Kimmy (Bob), Dolly (Tony), Bonus daughter Lisa (Bob). She is also survided by her and four grandchildren: Shannon, Marissa, Gavin, Logan and three great grandchildren: Caleb, Julia and Layla and many nephews and nieces.
Donna will be remembered for her kindness, unwavering integrity, and love for her family. Her laughter and wisdom were gifts to everyone who knew her.
A celebration of life will take place at Givnish Funeral Home, 1200 Route US 130 N, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077 on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Visitation will be held from 11 am to 12 pm, and a service will begin at 12 pm, followed by interment in Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the ALS, https://www.als.org.
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