THIS Valentine’s Day, Autumn Lodge in Macksville is celebrating six long‑lasting love stories.
Together, these couples share more than 340 years of marriage and partnership – a testament to the strength of their devotion to one another.
Autumn Lodge General Manager Joanne Parry said the couples are a source of inspiration for residents, staff and families.
“These stories remind us that love doesn’t fade with age, it deepens,” Joanne said.
Elaine and Mervyn – 70 years married
Elaine and Mervyn’s story began at a dance at the Nambucca Heads Palais.
Both born in the same year, and even delivered by the same midwife, Sister Watts; their lives had been running in parallel long before they met.
Elaine still laughs about their first dance together. When Mervyn asked her onto the floor, she hesitated after noticing he had no bottom teeth. He was simply waiting for his denture, and the moment became a light‑hearted beginning to a partnership that has now lasted 70 years.
They raised three sons and now have five grandchildren, who they both absolutely adore. Together, they travelled widely across Australia in their caravan and overseas to Asia, the USA, Britain, Ireland and Scotland.
Mervyn visits Elaine regularly, continuing the companionship that has defined their life together.
Elaine and Warwick – 64 years married
Elaine and Warwick’s love story is shaped around family, faith and their community.
Their families settled in Sydney during and after WWII, eventually finding a shared home at Dundas Baptist Church.
Elaine and Warwick grew close in 1959 and married two years later, in May 1961.
They built their lives together on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, raising three children and later welcoming five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Warwick still lives at Avalon and visits Elaine as often as he can, supported by family in Macksville and by their son and Elaine’s sister who live locally.
Their love story is one of commitment and devotion.
Jeanette and Robert – almost 64 years married
Jeanette and Robert’s love story began in their school days in the small town of Talarm on the mid‑north coast.
The Welsh family was well known in the area, and the monthly local dance was the social highlight for young people.
At each dance, the men filled out a dance card to reserve a partner.
Jeanette always had plenty of offers, but Robert was determined – he made sure he booked her for the final dance of the night, the one everyone considered the most romantic.
From that moment, their story unfolded.
They have been married for almost 64 years and have built a large, loving family with four children, eleven grandchildren and seventeen great‑grandchildren.
Jeanette visits Robert several times a week, keeping their connection as strong as ever.
Errol and Jeannette – 61 years married
Errol and Jeannette met at Jeannette’s best friend’s wedding in Tamworth, a chance encounter that grew into a marriage now spanning 61 years.
They built a family with three children, three grandchildren, and one great‑grandchild.
Jeannette ensures her presence remains as stable in Errol’s life today as it was before he moved to Autumn Lodge.
She visits often and volunteers her time to support activities for residents.
Their story is one of loyalty, patience and a love that continues to show up, day after day.
Ellie and Ray – 52 years married
Ellie and Ray’s story began in 1970, when Ellie’s older brother brought home a workmate named Ray.
Ellie still remembers opening the front door and being struck by how handsome he was.
Ray, ever the gentleman, asked her father’s permission to take her on a date.
Their first outing was a trip to the movies in Parramatta to see Hello, Dolly!
It ended with their first kiss, and the beginning of their happily ever after.
Married for 52 years, they filled their lives with the joy of nieces and nephews, always surrounded by family.
Ray visits Ellie several times a week; their commitment to one another is gentle, loving and loyal.
Bev and Brian – partners for over 30 years
Bev and Brian met at a local dance in Nowra more than 30 years ago and have been inseparable ever since.
Between them, they share two children, five grandchildren and four great‑grandchildren.
Brian visits Bev at Autumn Lodge several times a week – joining her for outings and lunches. Their companionship is warm, steady, and full of love.
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