With boxes of heart-shaped candies lining store shelves, shimmering red and pink wreaths adorning front doors and vibrant rose bouquets filling flower shops, there’s no question what day is just around the corner.
It’s almost Valentine’s Day.
While it has evolved into a day of gift-giving and expensive dinner dates, the historic holiday has romantic roots. What better way to celebrate than with stories of long-lasting love from local couples?
Sweethearts for 69 years
Shortly after their engagement, Wesley and Clara Henry were separated because of World War II. Wesley was drafted into the Air Force and stationed in Hawaii.
“I didn’t see him for three years,” Clara said.
The couple wrote letters back and forth during Wesley’s service, and they wasted no time when he returned to the states.
“Ten days after I got home, we were married,” he said.
The couple, now residing at Cherry Hill Senior Living, lived in Haddonfield before moving to Maple Shade, where they raised their four daughters.
“Our greatest accomplishment was raising all of our children,” Clara said, adding they now have nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
The best times were the simple times.
“Just people coming to our house. Just the memories of the neighbors,” Clara said.
Wesley said a successful marriage is based on compromise.
“Everything is 50/50,” he said.
Wesley said he could never love another woman they way he loves Clara.
“I’ve loved her for all 69 years,” Wesley said. “She’s still my sweetheart.”
An unexpected blind date
Richard and Jean Killian met on a blind date, only it wasn’t with each other.
“My husband was the one driving the car,” Jean said with a smile. “He called me the next day.”
The Killians dated for a year, and realizing they wanted to marry was no big moment.
“It just sort of happens,” Jean said. “You just know you want to be together.”
The couple, now residing at Cherry Hill Senior Living, raised three sons in Levittown, Pa. Their family has now expanded to include 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Raising their boys is Jean’s fondest memory.
“It was great. I was the queen of the house,” she laughed. “We were active in everything they did.”
Jean feels proud and accomplished of her 55-year marriage.
“It’s not the easiest thing in the world,” she said. “If you give it a chance, talk things out, you can really get through anything.”
ENDNOTE
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