Dear editor:

Last month, in conjunction with National Women’s History Month, Lord Mayor Betty Disero issued a statement lauding many of women in our community who deserve recognition for making a difference to our town. She also encouraged residents to nominate other women deserving of celebration.

Here are two women whom I think should be recognized as well.

Sheila Tierney was an alderwoman in the 1980s. Besides the many hours that took up, she has been a fundraiser for the Cancer Society for over 50 years, as well as a lead organizer of the Historical Museum’s 100th Anniversary. Her children and grandchildren live all over the world so she is often not in town but whenever I see her, she is “going strong.”

Another woman who we all owe a debt of gratitude to is Joy Ormsby, the first and only Official Town Historian.

I know that Laura Dodson, who saved Willowbank from the wrecker’s ball, Gracia Janes, head of the Niagara Conservancy, and Judy McLaughlin, who was on Willowbank’s board of directors in the early days (as was I) would, if they could, tell you how much Joy’s voluminous historical research helped in the conservation of this town. She lives in Upper Canada Lodge now.

Elizabeth Masson

NOTL