For better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death — or a pandemic — us do part.
No one could have guessed in 1949 that there would one day become a need to add an additional barrier to such a classic wedding vow.
On May 11, Ida and Clary Gatien celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. Mrs. Gatien is a resident of Villa St. Gabriel Villa in Chelmsford.
Before the province shut down all non-essential visitations to long-term care facilities Mr. Gatien would visit his wife daily, arriving at 4 p.m. to spend the dinner hour with his wife.
Hearing the news of the upcoming anniversary, the Life Enrichment staff of St. Gabriel’s Villa decided to make this a window visit no one would forget.
Staff decorated the visiting window at St. Gabriel’s Villa, purchased flowers for Mrs. Gatien and invited her care workers down for a sparkling beverage to toast the special couple.
Mr. Gatien was able to deliver his card and read his wife a very special anniversary wish. An anniversary certificate was also presented to the happy couple from Villa St. Gabriel Villa.
When asked the secret to a long successful marriage, Mr. Gatien shared that he simply found a good woman; very loyal and dedicated to her family and the church.
“In this unprecedented time it is uplifting to witness the amazing staff in long-term care who more than ever are going above and beyond to keep families connected and residents engaged!” said a press release from St. Gabriel Villa.
Sadly, Mrs. Gatien passed away on May 22 "with her family at her side," her obituary states. She is survived by her children, 24 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her husband.
