Marv and Roxie Thomas
Marv Thomas and his wife Roxie met in August 1957 . They were married five months later on December 14th . Their whirlwind courtship began with a memorable first date . “ We had a ball , he took me to Bimbo ’ s 365 ,” Roxie said .
The couple also recalls their first home together , a fourth-floor apartment in Berkeley . “ It overlooked the Bay bridge , talk about starting your life out right ,” Roxie said .
“ We could hardly wait to get in that elevator to kiss and smack all the way from bottom to top ,” Marv said , with a grin .
Since 1964 the couple has resided in Gilroy , where they raised their daughters , Karen , Katie , and Kathy , and pursued their careers . Marv opened Thomas Appliance in 1976 , while Roxie worked at Gilroy Unified School District , where she retired from her position as secretary to the Superintendent in 1993 . Both are very pleased with their journey together .
“ If there was any little jog in the road where I made a different decision , and I would never have met her , I wouldn ’ t have the kind of grandkids I have and I wouldn ’ t have the three fantastic daughters that all love each other ,” Marv said .
They credit the success of their sixty-four-year marriage to their faith and nightly ritual . Each evening they sit in their living room holding hands and say prayers . “ Our relationship to Jesus Christ , that ’ s always been the glue that held us together , it ’ s just so important in this life ,” Roxie said .
“ You ’ ve got to work as a team ,” Marv added . “ Even Christ , he knew he couldn ’ t do it all , so he got his disciples together and made a team .”
“ Our relationship to Jesus Christ , that ’ s always been the glue ...”
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