60 happy years for Tarragal Glen couple


1956 and 2016
John and Judy on their wedding day in 1956 and on their 60th anniversary in 2016
Rain on your wedding day is said to be a sign of good luck, but what about snow?
After getting married on one of the coldest days of the year in 1956, Judy and John O’Reilly would have to agree that the icy weather was a mark of good things to come.
The couple was married on 23 June 1956 in the small town of Scone in the Hunter Valley.
“It was the coldest day I’ve ever experienced in all my life!” says Judy, who grew up in the small town and still remembers the freezing day perfectly.
“It was the first time we had snow on those mountains. The dressmaker lined the bodice of my lace dress with flannelette to keep me warm, and the same for all my bridesmaids!”
Despite the chill, Judy only had eyes for her husband-to-be waiting at the altar, and 60 years later, they are happily married with three daughters, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Now living at Tarragal Glen Retirement Village in Erina after spending more than 50 years in Sydney, the couple is making the most of their retirement on the stunning Central Coast.
“We love the social life and we have met some lovely friends here,” says Judy.
They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at the village’s Country Club with 60 family members, friends and neighbours in attendance.
Judy says that the key to their success after 60 years of marriage is, “A lot of patience with one another.”
“We just did our best to get on with each other and raise our family right, and I think we did!”

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