Karen Ann Aiken, enjoyed traveling

Karen Ann Aiken, also known as Gammie, 69, died Thursday, April 11, 2013, at Seasons Hospice.

Born in 1943 in Brooklyn, N.Y., to the late Charles and Anna Heluck, she graduated from high school in Jamaica, Queens, N.Y. Karen married her first and only love, LeeRoy Aiken on Aug. 14, 1966. She worked for Wilmington Dry Goods and DiBiaso Florist as well as being a homemaker. Karen was a long-time member of Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Church. She enjoyed crocheting, ceramics, crafting beeswax Easter Eggs, Dollar Store discount hunting, traveling, spending time at her Chesapeake Bay summer home, but was perhaps best known as a generous and loving grandmother.

Karen was predeceased by her son LeeRoy Jr. of Wilmington, and brother-in-law, Martin McLaughlin Sr. of Newark. She is survived by her loving husband and best friend of over 50 years, LeeRoy; daughter-in-law, Kathleen of Wilmington; son, Michael and wife Aida of Wilmington; son, Chris and wife Alayna of Millsboro; three grandchildren, Anna, Kimberly and Josiah; sister, Lorraine McLaughlin of Newark; and nephews, Martin McLaughlin Jr. of Newark, and James McLaughlin and wife Maureen of Lewes; and niece Michelle and husband Ron Kowalski of New Castle.

A viewing will be held from 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, April 16, at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3710 Kirkwood Highway (Rt. 2 at Duncan Rd.), Wilmington. Parastas (memorial service) will be held at 8 p.m. A funeral will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 17, at Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Church, 1406 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, with viewing in the church beginning at 9 a.m. Entombment will follow the service in Gracelawn Memorial Park. Reception to follow entombment.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Karen's name to Seasons Hospice, 220 Continental Drive, Suite 101, Newark, DE 19713.