Bethesda Lovebirds: Don and Marjorie’s Story

We’re welcoming in the month of February with a couple of Bethesda Lovebirds! Don and Marjorie have been together for 71 years and when they’re not matching red for Valentine’s Day, they’re enjoying their life at Bethesda Gardens in Kirkwood.

How did you meet?

M: We met at a church Teen Town. They used to have these things where they had music and you could dance.

What were your first impressions of each other?

M: I knew he was the one I wanted to be with. I know it sounds corny, but I looked at him, he walked in, and I wanted to be with him.

D: Well…I was dating her girlfriend first.

M: Obviously it wasn’t immediate for him!

What is your favorite thing about each other?

D: That she loves to go fly fishing.

M: I can walk a river pretty good. I think that he’ll try anything. If there’s something that needs to be done, he’ll figure it out.

What is your best advice for young couples?

M: Don’t go to bed mad.

D: That’s a good idea. I second that.

What is your favorite memory together?

D: We bought a place in Florida.

M: We used to winter there. Besides that, I would say when grandchildren and great-grandchildren are born is a neat experience.

D: We have 22.

M: 22 greats and 10 grands. We have quite an abundance of blessings. We just had a new one last week!

What would you say makes a marriage successful?

M: Truth.

D: (smirks) Giving in.

When asked about their life at Bethesda Gardens…

D: Her Mom and Dad lived here for 8 years. The food was so good we used to come here to eat all the time!

M: It’s a nice place and there’s wonderful people here.

Read more resident stories on our blog!