Donna C. Lucas
Donna Cupo Lucas, 76, of Philadelphia, passed away on Feb. 23, 2026 after a long illness.
Donna was born at Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia and lived most of her life in the Philadelphia area. She graduated from Gwynedd Mercy University in 1972 with a degree in education and started out teaching at a Catholic grade school. She later transitioned to a career in training, earning a master’s in training and organizational development from Saint Joseph’s University in 2007. Over the course of her more than 40-year career, she held training and human resources roles at Colonial Penn Insurance Company, Bankers Insurance Group, Vertex Inc. and SEPTA, where she spent 10 years as an HR program development specialist before retiring in 2018.
Despite Donna’s many decades in Philadelphia, one of the most significant moments of her life happened much farther south. After transferring to Florida for work, she met her husband Bill and the two married in 1988. They returned to Philadelphia in 1996, moving into Donna’s childhood home after her parents passed away.
Donna was a lover of flowers, cats and most importantly, people. An avid gardener, she loved to spend time in her home garden and made sure to visit the Philadelphia Flower Show every year. She also enjoyed being a cat mom and she and Bill adopted many cats over the years, including recently taking in a trio of siblings, Kyra, Beau and Finn. They later added a fourth cat, James, to the mix.
But most of all, Donna loved people and was devoted to her family and the many friends she made everywhere she went. Donna had a large extended family and loved spending time with them. She kept in close touch with everyone, noting birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions and made sure to remind her brother of key dates!
Donna went out of her way to make all her friends and family members feel special, often knitting sweaters, scarves and socks for those she loved. She also crocheted and embroidered and was a skilled baker who was known for her Thanksgiving pies, birthday cheesecakes and Christmas cookie platters. Her thoughtful presents always came with a wrapping job beautiful enough to steal the spotlight from the gift itself.
Donna was everyone’s “sister” and a confidant to all, always willing to lend a listening ear. At work, she was a generous mentor to many colleagues, especially during her time at SEPTA.
Donna is survived by her husband William Rigsby Lucas, her brother David M. Cupo and his wife Sheri Iannetta Cupo, and her nephews Dominic J. Cupo and his wife Ella R. Cupo, and Devon J. Cupo. She is predeceased by her parents Maria A. Cupo (nee Montagna) and Dominic Vincent Cupo.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to attend a memorial service celebrating her life on Thursday, March 19:
Visitation 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Funeral Service 11:00 AM
Our Mother of Consolation Catholic Church ( https://www.omcparish.com/ )
9 E. Chestnut Hill Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Donna’s name to any of the following organizations:
Dear William and Cupo Family,
The Office of Alumni Relations at Saint Joseph’s University sends prayers and condolences on this very sad occasion of Donna’s death. The University honors our graduate of 2007 who earned her degree in the midst of an energetic life as a lively friend to so many family members and friends.
After her own success in earning her degree and with her years of experience she could have returned to SJU and offered to younger students a very engaging course in organizational development.
May Donna rest in the hands of God. Her name will be entered in our Chapel Memorial Book listing the names of deceased alumni, relatives and friends. Her name will remain there for a year. All those listed share in prayers during all the Masses said in our University Chapel.