Sixty years and still going strong
“When we were married we made a commitment, and when you make a commitment, you stick to it.”
This is how Colleen Nosworthy (78) explained how she and her husband Eddie (82) managed to keep their love strong for each other all these years.
They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on May 12.
The couple, who have lived in Rynfield for over 50 years, met through a mutual friend, when they were participating in different sporting activities in Benoni.
Colleen smiled as she said Eddie’s name was always in the local newspapers for his great results in soccer and cricket.
They were married on May 12, 1956 at St Dunstan’s Anglican Church, and in 1966, they moved to Rynfield.
The couple currently reside in Rynpark Three.
Colleen worked at Bowne Johns Pharmacy doing general work until she gave birth to her first born, Karin.
“My husband said I must leave work and raise the kids,” said Colleen.
Eddie worked at Cementation Mining Group as a pattern maker.
The couple enjoyed playing tennis and hiking.
Colleen said playing tennis together kept their bond very strong.
Asked what they love about each other, Eddie said: “The fact that she tolerates me; I’m not an easy person but she gets me.”
With a little laugh, Colleen said that he’s honest, kind-hearted, always there for her, especially when she’s not feeling well.
“He even cooks and most of all he loves his children,” she said.
The couple is blessed with two daughters, Karin Barker and Andrea Dodd.
They also have five grandchildren: Bronwyn Dodd, Melissa Schulze, Kaylin Gultig, Dean and Justine Barker and two great-grandchildren: Dominique and Chloe Dodd.
When asked for their recipe for a long, healthy marriage, Colleen said: “Always discuss your problems and teach your husband to work in the garden”.
Eddie said couples should always listen to each other.
Barker said her parents have been a good example; they’ve always supported and taken good care of their family.
“We appreciate and love them very much,” said Barker.
The couple celebrated their anniversary with friends and family.
Also read: Sixty years of bliss
