Everlasting love and romance in the Hills
What keeps some couples attracted to each other for decades ? Love , romance , duty , family ? We found three couples who are residents at Moran Aged Care , Kellyville , that boast long-lasting relationships and asked them to share their stories for Valentine ’ s Day .
“ There was lots of kissing and cuddling .” George and Dianne Refalo . George & Dianne Refalo
It was the way Dianne wore her pair of navy blue and green tartan slacks which immediately caught the attention of George when he visited a mate living with Dianne ’ s family . It wasn ’ t long before they were falling in love and dating .
“ We wanted to be together all the time , there was lots of kissing and cuddling ,” they said . “ I love his sense of humour ; he loves my eyes .”
The clearly besotted couple married in September
1969 and remained together ever since , becoming each other ’ s carers in later years .
“ Being married is sometimes hard work and yes life has its ups and downs , but at the end of the day , I wouldn ’ t change it for the world ,” Dianne said .
While they didn ’ t celebrate Valentine ’ s Day because “ it wasn ’ t a big deal back then ” they have very wise words for a healthy relationship .
“ Be patient , it ’ s give and take , don ’ t walk away at the first sign of trouble . Never give up and communicate with each other .”
George & Beattie Paterson
Celebrating 74 years of marriage are George and Beattie , who met 88 years ago at the Croydon Baptist Church , falling in love as teenagers while attending youth group .
“ I looked forward to seeing George each weekend ,” Beattie remembers .
They continued a relationship while Beattie , who joined the Army in 1943 , was home on leave . She was discharged in
“ Never go to sleep being angry .” George and Beattie Paterson
1946 and married George in the same church in 1947 . What Beattie loves most about her husband is his “ loving care , tolerance and intellect ” while his “ sense of humour ” was very attractive so they “ got on very well ” together .
The couple have two children , six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren .
George has often given flowers with a beautiful card to his beau for Valentine ’ s Day . Their secret to a long marriage ? “ To love and respect each other , always . Talk your problems out and never go to sleep feeling angry .”
Therese & Frank Ebejer
“ I used to admire him from afar . I didn ’ t really get to talk to him as he was my friend ’ s big brother ,” said Therese , of her attraction to Frank in their early teens in Malta .
While they ’ ve never celebrated Valentine ’ s Day , Therese and Frank have fond memories of one of their first dinner dates in the piazza having “ danced all night ” together .
What did they like about each other ? “ She was very sexy ” and “ he was very , very good-looking ” was the reply .
“ Frank sent his friend to ask me to marry him . I asked him to ask Frank to come himself . He came and we started dating .”
The couple were engaged for six years before they were married . Therese now 85 , and Frank , 90 , emigrated to Australia in the 1960s to create a better life for their young family .
“ Therese is the best cook , cleans well and is very caring ” says Frank , while Therese simply “ loves everything about Frank ”.
Their secret to a long marriage is love , “ we never separated from each other ”, their children and communication .
“ Ask each other if you need anything , look after each other , understand each other ,” Theresa added .
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THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 80 // FEBRUARY 2022 9