Jane C. Storch, 78, of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully August 23, 2021. Born in Northampton, she was the daughter of the late Frederick E. and Jane L. (Viehe) Storch.

She was a graduate of Catasauqua High School and attended Edinboro State University. Her life, lived under what s he described in a poem as the "heavy burden" of cerebral palsy, was a testament to resiliency, compassion, faith, the beauty of poetry, the love of nature, and the power of hope. She was a tireless advocate for the disabled community, actively involved for many years with the Interfaith Coalition for Di sabled People of Lehigh County and U nited C erebral P alsy of Lehigh Valley (UCPLV) . She also served on the Board of Directors for the Center for Independent Living . Jane worked as a teacher's aide at the UCP adult activity center in Bethlehem, volunteered at the Mercy Day School of Allentown and, most recently, worked as a librarian at the Good Shepherd Home in Bethlehem .

Her good works and inspiring life included many accolades. Most recently, she received the President's Volunteer Service Award from President Barack Obama. In 1999, she was awarded t he Torch of Independence by the Pennsylvania General Assembly for outstanding commitment to living independently and contributing to the betterment of her community. That same year, Allentown City Mayor William Heydt proclaimed a Jane S torch Day in recognition of her many contributions. She also received the UCPLV Bert Siegfried Memorial Achievement Award .

Jane was an award-winning and much-published poet, often exploring themes of overcoming adversity, the simple joys of nature, and her personal witness es of grace and redempti on she found through her strong faith. Her poetry has been featured in dozens of publications, including The Literary Digest , Today Magazine , Best in Poetry , and Anthologies of the Year . She valued time spent in various writers' groups, meeting often to read and critique one another's works.

Jane had a wonderfully adventurous childhood that prepared her well for many years of independent living. She loved to swim, and cherished her S ummers at Camp Daddy Allen in White Haven, Pennsylvania. Pool time with her aunt and uncle, cousins, and many nieces and nephews was a special memory . She loved doing crossword puzzles and snuggling with he r beloved kitties . In her later years, she moved to Good Shepherd Home of Bethlehem, where she made cherished friendships, continued writing, and joined a theater group , performing in their original work , Life's Triumphs (With a Little Inconvenience on the Side) , about people living with disabilities.

Jane's family would like to thank the staff and residents of Good Shepherd Home for their kindness, friendship, and wonderful care. The family is also deeply grateful to Pastors Tom and Carolyn Albright, family members who faithfully and tenderly ministered to Jane's body and soul.

Jane is lovingly remembered by her sisters, Judith Bott and Phyllis Depp e; her nieces and nephews, William Bott , Richard Bott (dec.), Karen (Bott) Snyder , Kat hy (Bott) Rauch , Jennifer (Bott) Wojcikowski , Tom Deppe , and Danielle Deppe ; and many other beloved family members.

A cele bration of Jane's life is being planned for the Fall . Check back to www.weberfuneralhomes.com for details as plans are finalized .

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jane's name to the Good Shepherd Home in Bethlehem or to Joni and Friends at www.joniandfriends.org .