by Michelle Delaney
Fifteen-year-old Sandie Bowersox lived in Damascus, Maryland with her family. That’s where she met Irv Stacy, a charming Penn State college man. Irv was a few years older than Sandie and her brother’s best friend.
Sandie describes Saturday nights in Damascus. The local fire department held dances with live bands. “Both Irv and I attended a dance and found out we had something in common, we both loved to dance and party. We’d dance the night away.” The sparks ignited.
“Our love withstood the long distance relationship and we married when I was 19 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church on a very snowy day in February”, said Sandie. “We moved to State College, PA. For the first 10 years, we moved around quite a bit and finally settled in Winter Haven, where we stayed for 25 years and raised our three children. We needed to get back in the hills so moved to Clermont about 15 years ago”, says Sandie.
On Sunday, February 16, Sandie and Irv celebrated their 50 Anniversary by renewing their vows. In front of family and friends, the two stood before Rev. Cromwell Cabrisos at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and affirmed their devotion to each other.
I asked Sandie what she thinks keeps a marriage strong after 50 years. Sandie says, “I would say our love lasted due to our strong faith, deep love, tons of passion, lots of laughter and total acceptance of each other’s individuality”.
LIVE-LOVE-LAUGH AND DANCE
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