February 6, 2015 (North Chili, NY) ─ Valentine’s Day is a holiday for lovers – whether they be young couples just beginning to date, newlyweds enjoying the freshness of marriage, or these widows from Westwood Commons whose marriages stood the test of time!

Theresa and Tom Filipski, 57 years

 

Theresa and Tom Filipski met in Buffalo in 1953 at a church dance. Tom impressed Theresa with his kindness and gentleness. The couple dated for three to four years while Tom was in the service.

“He proposed by giving me a box with a ring in it,” she recalls. “No words. Just a box with a ring in it.”

The couple was married at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church on May 5, 1956. The couple had two children, one grandchild and two great-grandsons. Tom passed away in 2013. Theresa has been a resident at Westwood Commons for one year.

“The secret to a successful marriage is talking things out and agreeing to disagree,” Theresa said.

Marion and Jim Schmeer, 55 Years

 

Marion and Jim Schmeer met in Rochester when he was painting a neighbor’s house.

Marion was 14; Jim was 18. Marion fibbed and told him she was 16 so he would talk to her.

“He was good looking and very nice,” she recalls.

In another ploy to get his attention, Marion pretended to play piano on her family’s player piano. Her plan worked!

The couple dated for four years while Jim was in the Navy.

“He asked me to marry him out of nowhere and I said yes!” she said.

The couple was married for 55 years before Jim passed away in 2002. They have five children, 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

A resident of Westwood Commons since June 2014, Marion said the secret to a happy marriage is to keep the romance alive!

“After you are married, go to the movies on a date, go out to dinner, go to church,” she said. “Whatever you do, continue to date!”

 

For more information about Westwood Commons, please contact Administrator Karen Shaffer at (585) 293-2060 or visit us on Facebook.