A DEVOTED Newtownards couple have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, following a temporary separation after decades of being inseparable.
Marlene and Joseph Cowan, of East Street, were surrounded by their loving family and friends for their big diamond anniversary on March 29 for a special celebration at the Strangford Arms.
The couple, both 81, had been temporarily separated due to ill health, but were overjoyed to be reunited once again, for good, in a new Fold earlier this month.
Their daughter Debbie explained that her mother had to be admitted to a home in January following a dementia diagnosis.
But Joseph did not leave her side by day, sitting with her from dawn til dusk every day since, despite suffering terminal cancer himself.
Neither enjoyed life without the other since Marlene’s move, and were counting the days until they were reunited at their new Fold just days after their anniversary.
The move unfortunately couldn’t be timed to coincide with the actual date they wed in 1966, but they did not have long to wait, before being back in their armchairs, side by side once again since April 3.
Until then, the couple had been supported by their three children, Debbie and brothers, Peter and Richard, who in total, have given Marlene and Joseph eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Marlene spent her whole life on East Street, living in three different houses over her 81 years, while Joseph was raised in the Queen’s Square area of the town. They both went to Victoria Primary School and Movilla High School, sparking a family tradition continuing to the youngest, fourth generation of Cowans.
“Mum and dad met at Currie’s textile factory, and then dad went on to be a heating engineer which he did until he retired. Mum worked as a carer in the community which they used to call a home help, so that’s what she did.”
“They were both very involved in their church, Greenwell Street Presbyterian, and mum went to knitting class and dad went to bowls, which they did every Tuesday night and also to singing classes, Singing for the Brain, for dementia,” she said.
“Dad still does indoor bowling and mum still knits, despite the dementia, and she used to actually knit wee vests and hats for Ukraine and did so many for years, that she could knit them without looking at the pattern.
Debbie continued that the pair loved a good holiday, and music.
“As kids we went every year to the Isle of Man, then they started going to Benidorm. My daughter and I took them again in September 2024. They also love music and tribute acts and we would book a tribute with overnight stays in different hotels right up until Christmas 2025. “
Considering the recipe to 60 years of marriage, Debbie believes she knows their recipe for happiness.
“They just really love their family, it’s family that keeps them going,” she said. “Dad said the reason they lasted together so long was that they had time apart, for hobbies, and then surrounded by all their family. Mum said it was because she loves dad – he is her heart. “They both love children, so any chance they get they will spend time with grandkids and great grandchildren.
“All they wanted for their 60th anniversary was to be together again.”
