Lorna (Shantz) Bergey
Inducted In
2011
Lorna (Shantz) Bergey was born in Wilmot Township in 1921 and became one of Waterloo Region’s most respected Mennonite historians. Although her formal education ended after Grade 8, Bergey always enjoyed books and collecting information. Through visits with family members, church and community events, she was exposed to verbal accounts and the folk history of Waterloo County and the Pennsylvania Germans. Thus began the foundation of her extensive knowledge, detailed stories and historical facts connecting people, places and events.
In the 1960s Bergey expanded her involvement in historical organizations. In response to invitations, she began preparing articles for publications and talks at family reunions.
Bergey held leadership positions in many organizations including the Waterloo Historical Society, Doon Heritage Crossroads, the Historical Committee of the Mennonite Church of North America and the Pennsylvania German Folklore Society of Waterloo and Ontario.
Her accomplishments and awards include the Joseph Schneider Haus Volunteer Award (1993), Kitchener Seniors Advisory Council Award of Distinction (1999), Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation Award of Excellence (2001) and the Mennonite Historical Society of Canada Award of Excellence (2007).