Love Stories Part IV
June and Millard
Heartfields at Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg, VA
One of the greatest loves stories we have witnessed is that of June and Millard. Even though they lived a town apart and attended separate churches, they still knew of each other. One year, their churches got together to do a carnival. Millard manned the ticket booth, while June took in the sights. At the end of the day, Millard approached June with leftover tickets and invited her on a rollercoaster ride. She accepted snd in her words “we’ve been on a rollercoaster ride ever since”. They will be married 72 years on March 28, 2012. While working to support his mother and 4 younger siblings, he continued to court June, bringing her and her mother flowers from his grandfather’s greenhouse. They decided to get married, but they wanted to wait until June finished nursing school.
They wed on March 28, 1940 and eventually had one son. At the hospital, Millard told June, “I will be the best father I can be”. A testament to that is that he was asked by both his son and grandson to be the best man at their weddings. June continued her work as a nurse, while Millard traveled to different airports for the airlines. Millard was also a mechanic on Eisenhower’s campaign plane. Together, they bought property and built a house by hand over a span of 2 years. Millard even had June sitting on the roof hammering in shingles, while he was nailing his pants to the wood floor. Millard’s leg was amputated in 2010. He asked June why she took such good care of him and she replied, “Because I love you. As long as we’re together, we’ll be fine.” To this day, he wakes June up in the middle of the night to tell her he loves her.
Ed and Gene
Premier Residences of Reno, Reno, NV
Ed and Gene’s love story started in their San Francisco high school days when they met in drama class while acting in “You Can’t Take It With You.” One windy day, the girls were walking up a steep San Francisco street while the boys followed below. Suddenly a gust of wind blew Gene’s “Scarlett O’Hara” hoop-style skirt up and over her head. As Ed puts it, “I admired the view and took notice!”
Though they moved around with Ed’s career in the Army Air Corps and as a pilot, they spent many years beachside in Pismo Beach, CA. Married for over 70 years, the McLeans moved to Reno to be near their son and family and love living at Premier Residences of Reno.
Squibb and Joyce
Premier Residences of Reno, Reno, NV
Erwin (known to many as Squibb) and Joyce’s love story started right here in Premier Residences of Reno when Joyce moved into our assisted living community. They hit it off immediately, especially as they both share a love of art. Joyce is an accomplished painter and Squibb studied art for several years – he is her biggest fan! When asked about what attracted Squibb to Joyce, he says “Everything!” Squibb says that their relationship is the greatest love affair of his life and he enjoys every minute that they can be together.
Joyce says that when they first met she was not interested in a boyfriend but he persevered with attention, flowers and an engagement ring. As Joyce says when she proudly shows her sparkling diamond ring, “We are engaged to be engaged for the rest of our lives!”
Ralph and Joann
Somerford Place - Roseville, Roseville, CA
Ralph joined the army and served in the Pacific for 3 and half years. The day he returned, his cousin asked him to attend church. He declined at first, then reluctantly attended. It was there he met Joann. She thought he was very handsome, loved his beautiful eyes, and physique. After being introduced by a friend, it was love at first sight. Eight months later they married on September 12, 1946. There wasn’t a large wedding but it was special. Their love caused them to marry right away and they planned to run away to Reno. Joann was 17 so her mother planned their wedding in 3 days. They had many friends and family attend and it is something they have forever treasured. They both reflected on this over the years and are so grateful they hadn’t run off and got married in Reno. They have been married 66 years and have 3 children.
After Ralph was diagnosed with dementia, Joann devoted herself to taking care of the man who took care of her at home. When it became difficult for her she made the decision to get help and moved Ralph to Somerford Roseville. Joann visits him several times a week with their dog Lady. They always walk through the community hand in hand as they have done for 66 years. When Joann and Lady Visit, Ralph’s eyes light up and his face reveals a big smile. Each time they see each other they fall in love all over again. It’s as if Ralph doesn’t have the disease that takes away his memory and he has met the woman of his dreams for the first time. When asked how they manage to keep the love strong, Joann says their faith in God and the fact that they always put each other first is the key.
Kathrynrae
Washington Township Senior Living - Sewell, NJ
I met my husband on a blind date on November 13, 1968. A friend had asked me to be in her wedding. She also asked “Are you seeing anyone?” “No”, I said. She asked if I’d like to meet the guy I’d be walking with in the bridal party. She set up a blind date but neither one of us wanted to go on the date. She told me that he was a really nice guy and that he had just come back from Vietnam.
We went to the movies and in the middle of the movie - it was kind of violent– I got nervous and I threw my hands up and gasped. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a fist fly towards him and he blocked my hand very calmly. We joked about that and I didn’t scare him. We continued to date after that.
Unfortunately the couple that initially introduced us never married, but we did. August 7, 1971 we were married. We were blessed with a son and a daughter. My story ended September 1, 2007 when he succumbed to a massive heart attack and was gone.
However, when we got engaged, we met each others’ families and realized his grandmother was from the same little town as my grandmother. They were best friends. I had gone for a walk with my grandmother when I was about four years old. We went to his grandmother’s house and my future husband had the day off from school. I played with him in the back yard of his grandmother’s house. We had spent an afternoon playing in the yard, and we met 15 years later on a blind date. I always thought that our grandmothers got together in Heaven and made a match.
Tom and Ethel
Washington Township Senior Living, Washington Township, NJ
I first met my Dad and Mom in the Summer of July 15, 1947. Even though I was a newborn, I would eventually realize I was part of a great love story.
My Dad was a great supporter of the whole family, although, Mom ruled the nest! Her love for Dad was proven strong when she moved to Brooklyn, New York, in 1946. (By the way that’s the year they were married). Leaving the country area of Fairhope, Alabama, she gave up a lot because she was a country girl and hated city life.
They met while Dad was in the US Navy during World War II, at a USO dance in Pensacola, Florida. They were married a few months later and moved to New York. Both of them were great listeners and conferred together on all decisions made for the family. Dad worked for the US Post Office and moved up the ranks fast. Dad, Mom and sons moved to Harrisburg, PA, where Dad got his first promotion to Schemes and Routing Technician.
Talking to different people over the years and as I grew older, there were very few arguments b etween them. My dad never used bad language or cursing around my Mom or around my brother and I, and very rarely lost his temper. Their fantastic love affair and marriage lasted for 49 years when my mother past away in 1994. (We were making plans for their 50th Wedding Anniversary).
The things I learned and impressed me about my Dad were, love of family, hard work and never go to bed angry with your spouse. I am totally grateful to my Dad for his love and dedication to Mom and our family!
Anita and Burlon
Morningside Assisted Living - Sheffield, AL
A story of love at first sight for Anita and Burlon Pounders. We met in Wyandotte, Michigan in 1949. We started dating instantly and after summer break she returned to Tennessee for school. We wrote each other letters everyday during our time apart. On a summer day in 1950, I said the famous words, "Honey, I love you, Will you marry me?" she replied "Oh, yeah."
We agreed to go to Mississippi to get married at the court house. We were the only two who knew about the plan of a court house wedding. On July 9th 1950 we were married. After our marriage, Anita had to cover up to her family on her whereabouts. She told all the sisters she was staying at the other sister's house that night. Eva (Anita's sister) asked what was going on. Anita replied, "We're married." And went out to the car and got the marriage license to prove it.
Her sister, Edna had a room above her house that they rented to us for about 6 months till we could rent a small 2 bedroom home. The only heat was a space heater in the kitchen. Anita's father lived with us for 8 years due to illness. Later we moved to Alabama and I went into real estate and named it Burl Pounders Real Estate in Muscle Shoals. We were blessed with 2 beautiful girls. In 2010, we moved into Morningside assisted living, and still reside there.
We have had a great journey with ups and downs -- more ups than down. We have two great sons-in-law, grandkids, and great grandkids. We attend church and most of all we are born again Christians who put God first. Many times I didn't know where the money would come from to pay our bills but the Lord always provides.
Jack and Lola
Morningside of Jackson - Jackson, TN
Jack lived on a hill near Dyersburg, TN between Jenkinsville and the Rambo Hills. He was dating a girl from near Glendale. One Sunday they stopped at her cousin’s house and Jack was introduced to a beautiful gal. Soon thereafter Jack and Lola dated a few times before Jack entered Freed-Hardeman College to prepare for the ministry.
While in college, Jack studied about the gal from Glendale more than most things and soon they began to correspond. This led to weekend dates consisting of drives, parking on Saturday night in front of Woolworth’s, and watching the free show of passersby.
Since the college student had limited resources, there was no money, no eating out, and nothing that involved much money. Both Jack and Lola jokingly laughed about the 35¢ corn dog and Coke during much of their courtship.
Jack came home for Sunday speaking engagements at area congregations. Lola attended church services and listened to him. Afterward, they spent time just visiting and talking. While sitting in her parents’ living room after her parents had retired, Jack said, “What would you say if I asked you to marry me?” Her serious, thoughtful answer made Jack appreciate Lola ever more. Her response: “I’d like to think about that.” Two weeks later, she gave the desired answer.
A July 5th date was set and their wedding took place in Dyersburg. A ring that cost $35, bought with a down payment and regular monthly payments, is still begin worn 60 ½ years later and they are both in their 80’s.
A devoted love for each other is exceeded only by their love for the Lord. That mutual love has taken them to many states, Bermuda, and Appalachia.
That love has grown to include 3 children, four grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.
John and Esther
Rosewalk Commons Senior Living - Lafayette, IN
I graduated from East Liverpool High School in 1937. I spent a year at Maryville College, Tennessee, and returned home in August of 1938 on a Sunday evening. Alice May, her sister Gracie, and Esther went to church and when church started Gracie went down front but the two other girls went to the back row, and when services started, the girls went downtown. I was downtown with two boys at Fortner's Drug Store & Soda Fountain. One of the boys knew Alice May and I latched onto Esther.
In the Soda Fountain, there was penny weight scale and anybody that weighed a certain amount got a free soda. The magic number that day was 133 lbs. I weighed exactly 133 lb. The Bloor boys made a great big soda with 5 straws.
After walking Esther home holding her hand I got a smooch and asked her if I could see her again. She agreed. I wooed her for the next 3 years. On August 7, 1941 walking down the aisle I asked myself "what am I getting myself into?" I replied to myself "This is for life." Proceeding on down the aisle the Reverend Clark W. Cooper married us at the First Methodist Church in East Liverpool, Ohio. This was the best thing I ever did.
After spending 15 years in Indianapolis I was transferred to Philadelphia, PA. We lived in Cherry Hill, NJ for 33 years and retired there for 22 years that we called our second honeymoon. We enjoyed dancing, swimming, traveling, gambling, bowling, golfing, church, theaters, plays, and saw the Twin Towers burning.
Esther and I remained married for 65 years and 210 days until my sweetheart, my darling, my lover and my Queen passed away. This is my tale of love and romance.
Paul and Rozella
Rosewalk Commons Senior Living - Lafayette, IN
Paul and Rozella basically grew up together. The two of them met after seventh grade, and Paul became a frequent guest of Rozella’s home shortly after. The high school sweethearts continued their romance throughout the years following school. The Christmas prior to Paul being drafted, he presented Rozella with a diamond ring. A courtship separated by oceans and continents can be particularly stressful, but when Paul returned on leave, he promised Rozella he would be back for her and for her not to worry.
Well, as the story played out, Paul did return, but with shocking news. While overseas, he had married an Italian girl. Rozella was devastated, but that was not the end for this pair. The years melted one to the next, and each of them married and had children of their own. Rozella says she thought of Paul often, and she heard that he was living in Florida. But that was about the extent of their information on one another. They hadn’t spoken in years. Through the course of time, both Rozella and Paul lost their spouses and were living alone.
Fast-forward to 2008 in the halls of Rosewalk Commons. One evening Rozella heard a familiar voice in the hallway that perked her ears. When she went to investigate, she discovered Paul was also living in the community’s Assisted Living. The two reconnected after so many years and fell into step with their teenage selves. Rozella had kept the ring Paul presented her many, many Christmases ago, and soon, she began wearing it again. Some may call their circumstances destiny, some may call it luck, but no matter how they reconnected, it can be certain theirs was a love that stood the test of time.
Lug and Erne
Rosewalk Commons Senior Living - Lafayette, IN
Lug created a bit of a tongue twister when explaining his first connection to Erne. “I married my mothers’ brothers’ wifes’ sister!” Well, obviously, there was some sense to that riddle, because Leonard (“Lug”) and Ernestine (“Erne”) have been married since August 20, 1949—an impressive 62 years!
The couple met in Ft. Wayne while Leonard was working a summer job. He proposed by asking, “What would you say if I asked you to marry me?” …Apparently her answer was, “yes.”
Stanley & Lois
Fountainview - West Palm Beach, FL
It began on an ordinary (life-changing) Spring day in Philadelphia. Lois Lupo’s finance had recently died. Her best friend, Carol and she worked at a furniture store. One day they were eating lunch with their boss, Matt Cohen when Stanley Cohen, a handsome soldier, on furlough stopped over to say hello to his cousin, Matt. He took one look at Lois and fell in love. He got her number from his cousin and the rest is history.
On their first date, they went out for Chinese food and Stanley asked Lois to marry him.
Even when she was vacationing with friends, Stanley sat on her porch steps waiting for her to return. Together Lois and Stanley ran Cohens’ Insurance and whenever Lois went anywhere, Stanley waited for her by the door. Although Lois did not say yes to Stanley’s Proposal the day he asked, 57 yeas later, 3 children, and 4 grandchildren later they are still going strong.
Phil & Margaret
Fountainview - West Palm Beach, FL
I first met Phil at a church function at Olivet Presbyterian in 1939. My first date was a trip to the World Fair. After that, war broke out with Japan, and Phil had to serve. He was lucky and was sent to Puerto Rico. They ensured him the Air Force Planes could be serviced and sent to the war front.
Phil came home safely in 1945. We built our life together building a family for the next few years. We decided to settle down in Royal Palm Beach, Florida after Phil got a Post Office position in the area. We purchased a home in the area and soon became Floridians for the next 33 years. We had several friends, 7 couples to be exact! As time went on we were all aging and starting to pass. Phil and I were the only couple left. We decided that it was time to leave Royal Palm Beach.
We looked at Fountainview, and liked what we saw. We rented an apartment, and 30 years later, at the age of 92 are still enjoying our life. We have many friends, and are active in the community.
Margaret and Phil Sorrentino are still in love. Oxoxxooxo
Martin & Betty
Fountainview - West Palm Beach, FL
Not a day goes by that we don’t kiss and tell each other that we really love each other. And that wa
y, all day we are pleased with each other.
Love, Trust, Passion, Humor, Positiveness, and Communication have been part of our 70 year marriage. We were married at age 21 and 22 and after six months I was drafted into the Army for three years, and I firmly believe that the Army stint made me a better man.
We both have a positive, cheery disposition and sense of humor that we passed on to our children. Even today I had to go for some doctor tests and treatment while Betty went to a Baking Seminar in the Activities Room in our complex. I was able to finish early and instead to going to our apartment I went directly to Betty’s meeting and when I entered the room Betty and I exchanged relieved looks as though we were separated for days instead of three hours. We hope you are able to grasp the closeness that we have for one another and we both hope you are as fortunate as we are.
Times were tough in 1945-46 when we were offered a job in Charlotte, N.C. and that was a test of our marriage. Living in a strange place, strange people, strange geography, and money was tight. We persevered and became closer as a family unit.
All of this time we’ve kept our love strong and committed to each other in sickness and health, always with a sense of humor and willing to help one another. Now, as elder citizens, we enjoy our children, our two grandchildren (40 & 44) and three great grandchildren. Much happiness, with a sense of humor to you all!
Charles and Frances
The Forum at Memorial Woods - Houston, TX
In 1941, Charles was a football player at Shreveport High School. Frances had recently moved into town. Charles was dating a girl his football buddies didn’t like. One of them thought Frances would be a better match so he introduced them. In short order, Charles dropped his old girl friend, and he and Frances became a pair.
Charles joined the Navy as WWII was in full swing. During Charles’ basic training they thought they would be real mature and wait until Charles was out of the Navy before getting married. But when he came home on leave before shipping out to the Pacific, they decided at the last minute, on a Wednesday night, to marry the coming Friday. Frances awakened her mother at midnight to tell her the news. Her mother’s sleepy reply was “What do you want to do that for?”
They were going to have a small ceremony, but Charles’ father, the Shreveport Commissioner of Public Safety, decided it was going to be the biggest wedding of the year. He invited everybody. All the police and fireman were there. That Friday evening, when they arrived at the church for their wedding, they couldn’t find a parking space!
After the war, Charles finished University. Frances had moved around a lot while growing up and looked forward to staying in Shreveport. She’d forgotten Charles had proposed to her saying he would show her the world. Sure enough, shortly after Charles got his job with Magnolia Oil Co, he came home and said “We have to move.”
They proceeded to travel around the world. Frances said “I went kicking and screaming but ended up having the time of my life.” They’ve been married 67 years, have three children and are still having the time of their lives.
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