Dorothy Ann Hersh

Dorothy Ann Hersh, 81, formerly of Bethlehem Township, passed away January 2, 2026, at Gracedale Nursing Home in Nazareth, PA.

She was the daughter of the late Andrew and Blanche (Ponticelli) Varady and was born at St. Luke's Hospital Fountain Hill on May 23, 1944.

A 1962 Graduate of Liberty High School, Dorothy excelled at and won academic awards for science and writing, She attended St. Luke's School of Nursing and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. Among her many positions in Health Care, she worked as a Nurse caring for children and babies at St. Luke's Hospital and caring for the elderly at Moravian King's Daughters Nursing Home and as a phlebotomist at Keystone-Miller Blood Center.

Dorothy was a gifted writer who loved to reminisce about family and good times documenting very detailed and beautifully-written descriptions of shared memories. She took great pride in her Italian heritage and large family and wrote loving tributes to those who passed before her.

Always working on crafts and creating handmade treasures, her thoughtful homemade greeting cards were greatly appreciated by all who received them. Dorothy was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and her greatest joy in her life was her family.

She will be fondly remembered by sons Dr. Ronald Hersh, Jr., (Ann); Andrew Hersh (Deirdre); daughter Melissa Hersh (Jeffrey Paulson); sister Anna Marie Chickey (Joseph), and brother John Varady (Gail). Lovingly called "Nans", she will be missed by her grandchildren Cullen (Emma), Caitlin, Gabriella, Nuallan, Ty, Miranda, Terry and Evelyn and great-grandchildren Keegan and Lily and baby Fiona, due March 2026. She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Ronald "Ronnie" Hersh, Sr., and grand-daughter Rebekah.

Services will be private. Arrangements are being handled by the Connell Funeral Home, Inc. Bethlehem. Condolences may be offered online at www.connellfuneral.com

Memorial contributions for Dorothy can be made to The Friends of Gracedale Foundation, P.O. Box 138, Nazareth, PA 18064 or friendsofgracedale2017@gmail.com (a 501(c)3 charitable organization).

A Celebration of Life with Full Military Honors honoring Dorothy and her late husband, Ronnie, a U.S. Army Veteran, is planned for Spring 2026. Details are forthcoming.