Of French parentage and born in Los Angeles, Lor moved with her mother to Jackson Heights, Queens, New York at the age of 5,[2] following her father's death.

She graduated from Newtown High School and took art courses at night at Cooper Union, intent on becoming a commercial artist, while waitressing during the day at a Schrafft's restaurant.

She believed her chance to sing in Sonja Henie's New York ice show at the Center Theatre to be her big break.

[4] After Lor's association with The Garry Moore Show ended, she performed in night clubs and similar venues.

Lor married and subsequently divorced TV director and singer Jay Martin, with whom she had sons, Ron and Denis.