Sapphire anniversary for Philip and Nancy

Love, devotion and respect are the ingredients for this Brentwood Park couple’s thriving marriage.

April 21, 2024

Jani de Beer 1 minute read

Many may consider Romeo and Juliet to be the most romantic love story ever told, but for Philip (85) and Nancy (83) Nel, their story of growing old together is hard to beat.

The Village Walk Retirement Estate residents spent April 6 surrounded by friends and family in celebration of their 65th wedding anniversary, which is on April 11.

The star-crossed lovers met in Lyndhurst in 1957, but a date to the Stadium drive-in, in Malvern, cast their relationship in stone.

Philip and Nancy Nel, on their wedding day, 65 years ago.

Since moving to Benoni from Pomona, more than a decade ago, the pair is always seen tackling their daily tasks together.

Humming some of their favourite tunes by ‘ol blue eyes’, Philip and Nancy are actively involved in the estate’s activities, holding hands during church services, flipping pancakes at community events and scanning each other’s cards during weekly Bingo gatherings.

Valuing family above all, the Nel’s instilled great love, commitment, tolerance, respect and loyalty into their three daughters’ lives, proving that adoration can conquer all.