Dolores “Lori” Ronca Bianco Ottesen, 94, of Bethlehem, passed peacefully on February 20, 2026. Born in 1931 in Fountain Hill, Lori was one of nine children of Philip and Anna Ronca. Raised in a large, spirited Italian family home filled with homemade pasta, pastries, laughter, and storytelling, she carried that warmth and welcoming spirit with her throughout her life.

After graduating from Fountain Hill High School, where she excelled academically and cheered with enthusiasm, Lori attended Millersville University. She paused her studies to care for her beloved sister, Dorothy, before earning her Bachelor’s degree in Education. She began her teaching career in New York and continued for more than 40 years in the Bethlehem Area School District, shaping young lives with patience, intelligence, and kindness. She spoke of those years with lasting pride and affection.

Lori married Frank Bianco, President and Owner of Pembroke Dress Co., and lovingly raised their five children in Stafore Estates, a neighborhood she was especially proud of, as it was built by her father, Philip Ronca. Her twin sister, Maryanne Werpehowski, lived nearby, and together they raised their children. As some of the earliest residents of Stafore, the family became part of a close-knit community that fostered lifelong friendships. Lori was also a longtime member of Saucon Valley Country Club.

Bright, stylish, and entrepreneurial, Lori had a keen eye for real estate and interior design, always making her homes feel warm, beautiful, and welcoming. A devout Catholic and member of Notre Dame Church in Bethlehem, faith and family were at the heart of everything she did.

In 1990, Lori married Peter Ottesen, Technology Executive and Author, and began a joyful new chapter filled with global travel, companionship, and shared passions. Lori loved tennis, golf, and staying active, always relishing time spent with Peter. Together, they enjoyed playing duplicate bridge and earned the level of Bridge Life Masters, finding great delight in the intricacies of the game. They spent winters in their Boca Raton, Florida home, enjoying their hobbies and lifestyle at The Polo Club, where they made wonderful friends.

A lover of the arts, Lori was active with the Pennsylvania Playhouse, often performing alongside her children. She was also a dedicated member of the American Association of University Women, supporting educational and charitable causes. Music filled her home — especially show tunes sung around the piano, with Lori leading the way.

An excellent seamstress and gracious host, Lori delighted in cooking and baking for family and friends. Holidays were joyful, summers by the pool were lively, and no one ever left her home without feeling full and cared for. Lori had a rare gift for making everyone feel seen and special. With her quick wit, radiant smile, and infectious laugh, she lit up every room. She wished most to be remembered for her kindness, and that is exactly how she will be remembered: vibrant, loving, fabulous, and unforgettable. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, daughter, and aunt, she will be missed every day, but her sparkle will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who love her.

Lori is lovingly remembered by her five children: Kathleen (Gerard) McNally; Francine Bianco Tax and her late husband Gregory; Lisa (Troy) Guth; Kristine Eckenrode; and Joseph Bianco. She was blessed with nine grandchildren: Brian and Brendan McNally; Clayton Tax; Natasha (Anthony) Lacken; Tyler (fiancée Sara Bain) and Colby Guth; Emory and Skyla Eckenrode; Brianna Bianco; and one cherished great-grandchild, Joseph Lacken.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 28, at 10:00 a.m. at Notre Dame Church, 1861 Catasauqua Road, Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Adelaide M. Ortwein, 98, of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully February 14, 2026. She was born in Bethlehem to the late Angela C. Hoffstetter and John F. Meis. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Robert J. Ormiston, son Michael Ormiston, stepgrandson Derek Kehoe, husband Leonard Ortwein and also her siblings Anna Marie Minarik, John L. Meis and Joan Andrews.
Adelaide graduated from Allentown Central Catholic High School. Prior to raising a family she worked as a stenographer at Bethlehem Steel. After the loss of her first husband she was employed with Lehigh University and also worked as a sales clerk at Ramballs Jewelery Store.
Adelaide had a deep and strong faith and family was very important to her. She was an avid reader who also enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing bridge and traveling abroad. Adelaide was full of life and enjoyed hosting parties, dancing and singing around the piano. She had a gift of making people feel welcome in her home.
She is survived by her children Lois Kehoe (Kevin) of Bethlehem, Robert Ormiston (Alysia) of Zion Grove, stepchildren Martha Tirpak (John) of Allentown, Regina Kohlmeier (Joe) of Allentown, Kathleen Weaver (Keith) of Dundee, NY, 4 grandchildren & 6 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Calling time will be held on Saturday, February 21st 9-10AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10AM all in Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church 1861 Catasauqua Rd. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Downing Funeral Home, Inc.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Holy Family Senior Living 1200 Spring St. Bethlehem, PA 18018 or to St. Lukes Hospice 240 Union Station Plaza Bethlehem, PA 18015.