Ageless love: Seniors to renew vows on Valentine’s Day
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| Lois Besse, Clarence Reed, Annie and Marvin Waters, Mary and Les Dombroski, and Leome Reed in front will renew their vows Sunday afternoon at the Good Neighbor Care in Sterling. Lois’ husband, William, was not available to be photographed. (Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@svnmail.com) |
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STERLING – Lois Besse, 84, of Sterling, thought she never would fall in love again after her first husband’s tragic death in a plane crash.
This Valentine’s Day, however, she will renew vows with the man who managed to steal her heart nearly 50 years ago.
The Besses are among four couples in their 80s and 90s who will gather by the fireplace Sunday at Good Neighbor Care, a senior living community, to say “I do” all over again.
“It’s just sweet and romantic,” said activities director Stephanie Dennis, 24. Like these couples, Dennis says, “I want to grow old with somebody and just be happy for a lot of years.”
Growing old with the man she loved, however, once seemed impossible for Lois. She still remembers the day her husband, a military pilot and paratrooper, sat her on the sofa and said that if anything ever happened to him, she should remarry.
“I always felt that was a premonition,” Lois said.
Two weeks later, in April 1957, her nightmare became reality when he died, leaving her alone to raise two sons. Despite his advice, Lois said she never would marry again.
“I never thought I’d find a man that took as good care of the children as he did,” she said.
About 4 years later, however, everything changed when a friend introduced Lois to William Besse, now 84, at a ballroom. Lois said he was a terrific dancer and they clicked easily. William also hit it off with her children.
“We were … like a family even before we were married,” Lois said.
The couple wed and had a son together. Today, they still are in love, Lois says.
Three other couples will join the Besses in renewing their vows Sunday.
Bud and Leone Reed of Sterling, who have been married for 68 years, will be among them. Bud is 91, and Leone is 88.
So, too, will Les and Mary Dombroski of Sterling. Les, 88, and Mary, 87, wed nearly 60 years ago.
Both couples met in grade school.
Marvin and Annie Waters of Rock Falls married 12 years ago after meeting through a friend and neighbor. Marvin is 92, and Annie is 87. They’ll also renew their vows Sunday, with Annie wearing the same dress she did when the couple said “I do” at their farm wedding.
By invitation only, and before family, friends and fellow residents, the couples will renew commitments at the facility at West Lynn Boulevard and Avenue E, complete with decorations and flowers.
The Rock River Valley String Quartet will perform, and the Rev. Dalmus Meeks of Harvest Time Bible Church will officiate. A reception will follow.
