Love after loss: Couple celebrates 26 years of marriage in Kempton Park
Shirley's honesty and love of animals, together with Bruce's love of nature and the bush, helped build a strong and lasting relationship.
Marmanet Retirement Village residents Bruce Adam Hugo (75) and Shirley Anne Hugo (81) celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary on June 3.
Their love story began when Shirley’s son and Bruce’s sons were schoolmates. Encouraged by the boys to meet, Bruce invited Shirley for tea at Sunkist Nursery, and the rest, as they say, is history.
At the time, Bruce was 48 and had been a widower for three years. Shirley, then 53, had been divorced for 24 years and was raising her son on her own.
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One memory that still makes Bruce smile is Shirley switching on the light at 02:00 to check whether her purse is in her handbag.
Reflecting on their marriage, Bruce described 26 years together as “darn hard work”.
Looking back, the couple believe that loneliness in middle age played a role in bringing them together. In each other, they found friendship, companionship and love when they needed it most.
They attribute the strength of their relationship to Shirley’s honesty and love of animals, combined with Bruce’s passion for nature and the bush.
The couple said they have no special celebrations planned this year and are simply happy to spend the day together, reflecting on 26 years of marriage.
