There are not many couples who have been married for 69 years! But Pam and Don Koch have just celebrated this milestone anniversary and are looking forward to their 70th next year.
There were quite a few lumps in throats when the couple read out from their wedding anniversary book surrounded by friends and loved ones at the recent celebration at Uniting AgeWell Strath-Haven Community where they live.
Their daughter, Wendy Maher, had hung her Mum’s wedding dress at the window – it was made by Pam and her mother – who were both seamstresses. Although it is beautiful, no one else in the family has ever been able to wear it, because the waist is so tiny!
The wedding dress theme has endured over the years. For the couple’s 65th wedding anniversary a number of wedding dresses were hung up for view – Pam’s, Wendy’s, and dresses belonging to Wendy’s daughter and daughter-in-law. For their 60th, Wendy and her brother surprised them with a family cruise.
The couple will also be hoping for a card from King Charles. Royal Cards are sent for 60th, 65th and 70th anniversaries and every year thereafter.
Wendy says it was love at first sight for her parents when they met all those years ago in Wedderburn in Victoria.
“Dad was an apprentice builder based in Bendigo and was in Wedderburn doing a job when he walked into a local café and saw Mum with a group of her friends.”
It was the stuff of romance movies. The story goes that their eyes locked, and Don went back to the café again and again in the hopes of talking to her. They dated for six years before they married.
Don built their first home – and later on their second home, and they lived in Bendigo all their lives.
“Mum worked as a seamstress but was a real home body,” says Wendy. “She made all our clothes, knitted us jumpers and cooked amazing meals.”
After they retired, the couple went caravanning across Australia and also became involved in the CB radio movement.
Pam, who has Alzheimer’s disease, moved in to Strath-Haven Community a few years ago for added support. Don moved in a few weeks ago, and is delighted to be living with his sweetheart again.
The couple has three children, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Wendy says the staff at Strath-Haven Community are incredibly kind and caring, and she can rest easy knowing her parents are being cared for.
Learn more about life at Strath-Haven Community