Joanne Lorah

Joanne Lorah, 87, of Runnemede, NJ, formerly of Slatington, passed away Friday, May 1, 2026, in her home. She was the wife of Jeffrey Hero, whom she married on September 1, 1990. Born in Lehighton on October 27, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Allen and Marion (Kleckner) Lorah. Joanne was an exceptional and natural artist, with seemingly nothing beyond her ability to create. She was a master gardener with an eye for the unusual & exotic. A dedicated historian and researcher, she collected and compiled the long histories of the Lorah family, even traveling to France to trace its lineage through centuries. She was also a voracious reader, drawn to history, mythology, fiction, and especially Agatha Christie. Though she eventually lost her sight—bringing her artistic career to an end—she lived an extraordinary and deeply fruitful life.

In addition to her husband Jeffrey, she is survived by five successful children, Michael Babyak and wife Bev, Rick Babyak and partner Suz, Lisa and husband Julian Yan, Angela, Kevin Babyak and wife Enza; grandchildren, Melissa, Pete, Argentia, Jasmine, Julie, Alexandra, Cristina, Kevin, Jr.; step-grandchildren, Yoelmi, Jomery, Berto, Savannah, Lacey; great-grandchildren, Holden, Damon, Pedro, Cesar, Lisa, Jenser, Alanna, Ray; sisters, Louise Marina, Debbie Panabianco. She was pre-deceased by a brother, Billy Lorah.

A funeral service will be held at 11am Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Harding Funeral Home, 25-27 N. 2nd Street, Slatington, PA. Family and friends may pay their respects from 10 to 11am. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Slatington. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association, c/o the funeral home.