Family-oriented couple celebrate diamond anniversary
Manuel and Alda Fernandez married for 60 years.
A GOOD and giving heart is what the Westville couple have in common.
Starting from humble beginnings, Alda and Manuel Fernandez, who celebrated their diamond anniversary, worked hard to have a comfortable life. They worked their way up, hence the love they have of helping people and seeing them prosper.
The family-oriented couple dated for three years before tying the knot at St Joseph’s Parish in Durban on December 15, 1962. Alda was 18, and Manuel was 22 years.
ALSO READ: Couple celebrate Platinum wedding anniversary
“We met at a tearoom not far from our homes – he had many girlfriends – I had to fight for him,” said Alda with a laugh.
She said it is Manuel’s kindness that she loves most about him.
“He is a great husband, father and grandfather. He was very kind to my mother who stayed with us for 35 years. He took very good care of her and even took her with us to overseas holidays.
ALSO READ: New Germany couple blessed with 50 years of marriage
“He has unconditional love and is a hard worker.”
The family said Manuel is known for his motto, ‘did it his way’, which worked best for him as he built the family’s first two beautiful homes. “We lived in them for 20 years each,” said Alda.
The Fernandez said they are grateful for their close, loving family.
“They all live in Durban, and we visit each other regularly. We have had regular Monday night suppers for years – each family took turns – those nights were stopped by the lockdown regulations.
“We spend Christmas with family, and invite friends and extended families,” said Manuel.
Manuel said the respect that Alda showed him made her stand out for him and made him choose to spend the rest of his life with her.
“She is very down-to-earth – I love that about her,” he said.
They have three children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
The couple spend most of their time in the TV room watching sport or going out to the fields to watch grand- and great-grandchildren partaking in sport.
“Being able to spend time with the family warms our heart – it’s what keeps us going,” said Alda.
