Side by side for 60 years
"The key to a long, healthy marriage is that you have to work together, be friends, face your problems and hang in there."
Alan Woodrow Park Retirement Village residents Lionel (84) and Helen (82) de Kok celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary yesterday (Thursday).
The couple first met when they worked together at Standard Bank in Germiston in 1957.
They married two years later in the old Presbyterian Church in Germiston on February 7, 1959.
After tying the knot, Lionel was transferred to Standard Bank in Johannesburg.
After six years of marriage, Helen and Lionel welcomed their son and only child, Kenneth (54), who was born on their wedding anniversary.
The couple is especially fond of their two grandchildren, Tyler (27) and Kenton (22).
Also read: Egpaar vier 60ste huweliksherdenking
Lionel and Helen lived in Freeway Park, Boksburg, for 16 years before they moved to Brakpan in 2001.
After 60 years of marriage, Helen can still remember what attracted her to her beloved Lionel.
“It was his manner and the way he dressed; he dressed very well,” she said.
Lionel loved that they were friends before they fell in love and Helen has been his best friend ever since.
“The key to a long, healthy marriage is that you have to work together, be friends, face your problems and hang in there,” they agreed.
“It is not always easy, but it is worth it.”
Their special day will be celebrated together with friends and family tomorrow (Saturday).
Follow us:
For more #hyperlocal news at your fingertips, visit Springs Advertiser, Boksburg Advertiser, Benoni City Times, African Reporter
