Donna Lynn DiCostanzo

Donna Lynn DiCostanzo (Maple) of Ithaca, NY, passed away on July 10, 2025, at the age of 74.

Born on September 3, 1950, in Stamford, Connecticut, Donna was the eldest child of Harold and Grace (Broadley) Maple’s 4 children. At age 20, she moved to New York City with her husband, and high school sweetheart, Lewis DiCostanzo. They were married for 44 years.

Resourceful and driven, Donna fulfilled her dream of seeing the world through a distinguished 30-year career in the travel industry, beginning at Cunard Line Ltd on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. Her passion for exploration took her on 50 cruises - something she liked to boast about - and to favorite destinations including Venice, Vienna, British Columbia, Budapest, and the Caribbean. She often invited friends and family along to share in these adventures.

In 2008, Donna retired to Ithaca to be closer to her daughter, Dana DiCostanzo, her son-in-law Eugene Tournour, and her two cherished grandsons, Giovanni Tournour and Owen Tournour. She embraced her role as a grandmother with enthusiasm and joy, often cheering from the sidelines or applauding proudly from the audience.

A lover of words, music, and art, Donna expressed herself through poetry, songs written with her late husband, stories, pottery, and handmade picture frames. In recent years, she found great delight in writing and clay classes at Lifelong.

Children held a special place in Donna’s heart. After retiring, she worked in daycare and became affectionately known as “Miss Donna” to the many children in her apartment complex, welcoming them into her home with warm conversation and sweet treats always at hand.

Donna's adventurous spirit and immense capacity for joy will continue to inspire all who knew her. She had a remarkable zest for life and an extraordinary ability to connect with people of all ages. Whether sharing joy in life’s simple pleasures or telling hilarious stories from her many adventures, Donna brought laughs, warmth, and wonder to everyone around her.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, her son-in-law, and her grandsons; brothers John (Kathy) Maple and Brian Maple; extended family; dear friends; and her beloved kitty, Lucy. She was predeceased by her husband; her parents; and her sister Judith Maple.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, the International Elephant Foundation, or Lifelong of Ithaca. A memorial service will be held in early September. Details will be announced once finalized.

Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality - Emily Dickinson.