What better way to start the new year than by celebrating 80 years of love and commitment? That’s exactly what Andrew, 103, and Bertha “Bunny”, 102, Kowalcyk did on New Year’s Day.
The Kowalcyks, originally from New Hampshire, met at a dance at the University of New Hampshire. As fate would have it, both Andrew and Bertha picked number 23 in the dance lottery, bringing them together. They went on their first date just one month later, and the rest, as they say, is history.
In October 1943, Andrew proposed to Bertha. They initially planned to wait until after World War II to tie the knot, as Andrew was serving in the Navy. However, their love for each other altered their plans. Andrew called Bertha one day and said, “I changed my mind; I want to get married now.” Bertha chose New Year’s Day as their special day, and Andrew eagerly agreed.
With little time to spare, Andrew took leave from the Navy and arrived just a couple of hours before the wedding. He was originally scheduled to return on January 1st, but he insisted, “Well, I’m getting married,” and managed to push back his return to January 3rd.
On January 1, 1944, Andrew and Bertha exchanged their vows and embarked on a journey that would span over eight decades. Together, they built a beautiful family, raising six children and eventually growing to include 31 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
This New Year’s Day, their family and friends joined them at Cape Albeon Lakeside Retirement Living in Valley Park to celebrate their incredible milestone. The joy and love filled the room as everyone gathered to honor Andrew and Bertha’s remarkable 80th wedding anniversary.
Congratulations to the happy couple! Few can say they have spent eighty years married to the love of their life.
