THE PENNSYLVANIA GERMAN FOLKLORE SOCIETY OF ONTARIO
Lorna was the daughter of Walter C. Shantz and Salina Shirk Shantz . She was the
firstborn of three boys and five girls. Being the oldest she became nursemaid to the
following members of a rural farm family
The family was raised during the depression which resulted
in meager finances. Many hardships had to be overcome by the family but
all the children grew up to be strong healthy and normal kids.
On May 29, 1940 she married David Bergey, and they moved into
residence with David's parents on the family farm located west of New Dundee.
In the early years of their marriage, David and Lorna operated the farm and David
sold cheese and apples at the Gait Farmers Market. In 1954 David suffered
serious injury as a result of a farm accident and Lorna became the major supporter
for her young family which now consisted of two boys, Edward and Robert.
Lorna gave up farming and with the help of her brothers and sisters focused on
developing the Cheese business which had expanded to a Farmers Market in
Waterdown, Ontario.
The business continued to grow and as David recovered from his injuries, additional
outlets were opened in Hamilton, Burlington and Milton. Eventually two stores selling a
variety of cheeses and other deli products were opened in Toronto and Hamilton. In
1980, David passed away and Lorna continued to operate the business until 1988.
In the early 1950's, Lorna's interest in local history was kindled, particularly the role that
her ancestors, the Pennsylvania German Mennonites, had played in the
development of the Kitchener- Waterloo area.
At the encouragement of a localhistorian, she joined the local branch of the Waterloo
County Historical Societyand her enthusiasm grew as she learned more about the area.
From then on Lorna pursued her passion and expanded her involvement into the
Pennsylvania German Folklore Society of Ontario. from whom she was honoured with
the G. Elmore Reaman Award, The Mennonite Historical Society of
Ontario and The Mennonite Historical Society of Canada. In most of these
organizations she held leadership roles of President or Secretary for many
years and was the first woman to be elected to a standing committee in the
Mennonite Church. Lorna was instrumental in the establishment of the Mennonite
Archives of Ontario at Conrad Grebel College and was the acting archivist
from its 1987 inception until 1974. Conscious of having a Grade 8 formal education,
she often reflected on how well she was accepted by the AcademicCommunity.
Starting at an early age, Lorna lived a selfless life, demonstrating a servant
attitude motivated by her desire to be faithful to God, to claim His Promises and to do
everything with excellence.
Psalm 23 was an enduring source of solace.
Lorna always took pride in her family's accomplishments and enjoyed family
gatherings with her five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
1921 to 2009
Lorna Lucille Shantz Bergey