Kempton Park couple celebrates 60th wedding anniversary
Tienie and Marie met through a mutual friend who suggested the two travel to work together.
Kempton Park residents Tienie and Marie Nel recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, and their family have described the couple’s marriage as the perfect example of wedding bliss.
Tienie and Marie met through a mutual friend who suggested the two travel to work together.
Both worked in Johannesburg then, and their friend suggested it would be safer than each travelling individually.
After the two started travelling together, they grew closer, and their bond strengthened. Within a year, they got engaged.
ALSO READ: Thembisa couple brings home Comrades glory
Tienie and Marie had three sons and were blessed with four grandsons. Unfortunately, the couple lost their eldest grandson to cancer eight years ago.
Their son, Danie Nel, spoke to the Kempton Express.
“As their children, my parents have always been an example to us. We learnt respect, love and endurance from their marriage.
“My mom and dad have shown us how to value your partner. After 60 years, they still have an unbelievably tight bond.
“They always strive to be excellent human beings, which my siblings and I also strive towards. We are lucky to have parents like them.”
Teinie and Marie’s grandson, Jean Nel, said he draws inspiration from his grandparents, more so knowing he will soon celebrate his first wedding anniversary.
ALSO READ: Local couple celebrates 60 years of marriag
“I was married a year ago, so I have 59 more years to go until I reach my grandparents’ milestone.
“These days, you do not see relationships and marriages last long. My grandparents are an inspiration, and we could all learn a lot from them,” he said.
Additionally, he thanked his grandparents for raising his father the right way because, as a result, his father raised him correctly.
Grandson Rickus Nel thanked Teinie and Marie for their advice and guidance over the years. He added that the couple had set the perfect example of true love.
Teinie and Marie’s youngest grandson, Duvan Nel, said finding love today differs from many years ago.
“Hopefully, I will also celebrate my 60th wedding anniversary one day. Above all, I want to thank them for the people they are and loving us unconditionally,” he said.
