At the ages of eight and nine Gerard Sullivan and Maureen Daly, whose parents were close friends, decided they wanted to be together and to this day they still are.
Maureen is now 92 and Gerard 91 and they have just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary and renewed their vows.
There was not a dry eye at the Calvary Kalimna Aged Care when Maureen, on the arm of her son Peter, walked down ‘the aisle’ to the love of her life.
Maureen grew up in Scotland and Gerard in Wales during the war years and they married on June 19, 1954, at the ages of 21 and 22. They moved to Australia in 1956 as 10 pound Poms, staying in a hostel at Ashburton, Melbourne, then settling in the Dandenong Ranges.
Gerard was kept busy in his working life as a builder. They bought a block of land at Metung, which they would come down and stay on, eventually moving down permanently and building the home they still have.
Maureen and Gerard had two children, Peter and Deborah, and two grandchildren.
“Their devotion to each other was always evident and it still is as much as ever, we grew up in a loving home,” Deborah said.
“Since dad moved into the Calvary Aged Care mum visits him every day, they both have good mental awareness and reminisce about their lives together.”
They have made the trip back to United Kingdom a couple of times and are still a proud Welshman and a proud Scot. They are both the last siblings left in their families.
The idea to renew their vows came to Deborah a week before their anniversary and after confiding with her dad, a plan was hatched to surprise Maureen on the day.
Deb had a busy time finding a marriage celebrant at such short notice and was grateful that the aged care staff, in particular Brenda, organised and decorated the room in readiness.
Close family friend John Ward picked Maureen up from home, wearing an overcoat to hide his suit underneath.
“When mum walked into the room and saw dad in his suit with his arms open it was extremely emotional. You could see the love they have for each other is as strong as ever,” Deborah said.
There were many tears from the bride and groom and all those witnessing the event, but their senses of humour were still evident.
“The celebrant Bernie Brooker was delightful and made it so special. She reflected their era in the service, even using old fashioned wording of their day,” Deborah said.
Maureen and Gerard now have another memorable chapter in their life together to reminisce about.
IMAGE: Son Peter Sullivan, grandson Lachlan Sullivan, daughter-in-law Colleen Sullivan, family friend Dr John Ward, celebrant Bernie Brooker, and daughter Deb Sullivan (seated), with Gerard and Maureen Sullivan (front), who celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last week. (PS)
