Couple Share the Secret to a Happy Marriage on 69th Wedding Anniversary

Married couple from Stoke-on-Trent, Frank and Patricia ‘Pat’ Shaw, were surprised with a private celebration dinner with their family by their care home, Coopers Croft, for their 69th wedding anniversary.

Pat (87) and Frank (93) met in 1952 when Pat was 16 and Frank was 23 through Pat’s sister and brother-in-law, who Frank used to ride motorcycles with.

After being set up on a blind date, Frank drove his motorcycle to Pat’s sister’s house to pick Pat up and whisk her away – it was love at first sight!

Two years later in 1954, Pat, an office worker, and Frank, a painter and decorator, married at St Bartholomew’s Church in Norton. They had one child, Gillian, and spent most of their life living in Stockton Brook, where they lived for 47 years.

In 2023, Pat and Frank made the decision to move into Coopers Croft where they’ve been enjoying spending time together taking part in the home’s Knit and Natter club and relaxing in the landscaped gardens.

After hearing about their life together and finding out it was soon to be their 69th wedding anniversary, the staff at Coopers Croft planned a private dinner party with some of Pat and Frank’s family members in the home’s plush cinema room. Pat said,

‘Our anniversary was out of this world! I was very surprised. I wanted to know what all the balloons were for and then I saw our picture on the cake!’

Alex Field, the Home Manager at Coopers Croft, said, ‘Pat and Frank are such a special couple, we feel very lucky to have them as part of our Coopers Croft family.

‘We’re so glad that they enjoyed their 69th anniversary dinner, and we hope to help them to celebrate many more together!’

When asked what their secret was to maintain a long and happy marriage, Pat said, ‘It’s to always be patient and listen to one another’s side’, while Frank simply joked, ‘Just don’t get married!’

To find out more about couples living at Coopers Croft, please call 01782 355 483, email coopers.croft@idealcarehomes.co.uk or visit www.idealcarehomes.co.uk.

Coopers Croft, operated by Ideal Carehomes, offers 24 hour, person-centred residential and dementia care. With 66 ensuite bedrooms, attractive décor and landscaped gardens, Coopers Croft is welcoming new residents for short- and long-term placements with a unique all-inclusive fee to give peace of mind to residents and their families.