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?
Local couple look back on 80 years of marriage
According to tradition, a 25th wedding anniversary is celebrated with gifts of silver. For a 50th anniversary, it’s gifts of gold. And for those fortunate enough to make it to 75 years, diamonds are exchanged.
But what is the gift for an impressive 80-year marriage?
William and Williemae Fullwood may know. The Mt. Laurel residents celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary last July, and are now working toward anniversary №81.
According to William, there’s no big secret in achieving such a marriage milestone.
“Love,” he said with a smile. “That’s all I can tell you.”
The Fullwoods spent their married years in Burlington before moving to Mt. Laurel Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare, where they recently celebrated their birthdays. William turned 98 on Feb. 7. Williemae marked 101 years on Feb. 9.
Their story begins in 1934, when William — a farmer — met Williemae at an entertainment event at her school, where she was a teacher. It was just “instinct and nature” that drew William to Williemae, however, three years her junior, William’s charm
didn’t work on Williemae right away.
“She kept telling me I was too young, but I kept coming back,” William said. “One day, she called me and said she was ready.”
That was the beginning of their 80-year journey. The couple settled in Burlington, raising 13 children. Their family has since expanded to include 42 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and quite a few great-great-grandchildren, too. They were longtime members of Second Baptist Church of Moorestown.
William said while they had lots of mild fights, they never had a big fight. They were well matched and lived a wonderful life.
“We had a big family,” William said, “and we’ve done well.”
The last seat on the bus
Carmela “Millie” Kibler was working in New York City when she received a telegram urging her to return home to Boston as quickly as possible.
“My mom was sick. I didn’t have time to catch the plane or train. The last bus left five after 12 midnight,” she said.
Millie just made it on the bus.
“The minute I put my foot on the steps, the motor came on,” she said. “The lights went out and I couldn’t find a seat.”
As she made her way through the bus, she finally found one lone seat and asked the man if it was taken. He said no.
That man turned out to be Millie’s future husband, Alfred Kibler.
“He talked my ear off,” Millie smiled. “That weekend he called me at home.”
The Kiblers started to date in May, and they knew they wanted to marry by August. They tied the knot on Aug. 13, 1950.
They lived in Cinnaminson for 37 years, moving to Delanco for 10 years before their most recent move to Brandywine Senior Living at Moorestown Estates. The Kiblers had two sons and one daughter; they now have four granddaughters, too.
“Our family is our greatest accomplishment,” Millie said, adding with a laugh, “and the fact that we were able to tolerate each other all those years.”
The couple has fond memories of weekend getaways to the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City and family vacations to Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Tolerance is key in a long, happy marriage, Millie said.
The Kiblers are proud of their 64 years together.
“She takes care of me and I try to take care of her,” Alfred said.
“We’re so used to each other,” Millie added. “We wouldn’t know what to do without each other.”
Love through letters
While at her high school locker, Caroline Liberi would often chat with the girl using the locker next door. After a while, this girl asked if Caroline would like to write letters to her brother, who was serving overseas with the Army.
For nearly two years, Caroline wrote to Frank Liberi, meeting him when he was finally home on furlough. They went on a double-date with Frank’s sister and her boyfriend, and the rest, as they say, is history.
“We have a very good marriage,” Caroline said.
Now living at Brandywine Senior Living at Moorestown Estates, the couple raised their three children in Delran. Their family has expanded to include five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
In addition to raising their family, a highlight of their marriage was traveling the country and world. Trips brought them to Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, Alaska and more.
“I had a great mom. She stayed with the kids while we traveled,” Caroline said.
“She was a good cook, too!” Frank added with a laugh.
The key to a long marriage? Just be nice to each other, Frank said.
“And respect one another,” Caroline said.
“We always loved each other,” Frank added.
Caroline said you don’t realize how many years go by because they go by so quickly.
“It just keeps going,” she said, “and we’re lucky.”
Frank is proud of their 67 years together.
“That’s a long time, isn’t it?” he asked. “We’ve just loved each other very much. I’ve got a wonderful life.”
