Mercy Place Aged Care Residents Celebrate All Types of Love

Whether it has lasted decades or has just been discovered, Mercy Health residents celebrated love this Valentine’s Day.

Mercy Place Shepparton residents Lesley and Jim Brandreth took the day to celebrate their love that has lasted almost seven decades.

The couple believe that their first encounter was love at first sight.

“I was at a dance in Gippsland, and in the far corner leaning against an open door was a fella. I had a look around and decided that fella was the only person I wanted to dance with,” Mrs Brandreth said.

In a celebration of new love, Mercy Health Bethlehem Home for the Aged residents John Lucas and Dorothea Fleming celebrated the one-year anniversary of their engagement.

John bent down on one knee to pop the question to Dorothea on Valentine’s Day 2020.

The couple tied the knot in June last year in a beautiful yet modest ceremony due to COVID19 restrictions.

“The past year has been a beautiful celebration of love. The fact that we managed to share our vows with each other despite everything 2020 threw our way just proves that love conquers all,” Mr Lucas said.

Mercy Place Fernhill residents Vera Dennison and Peg Bergmann celebrated the love that comes from 65 years of friendship.

After Vera moved to Australia in 1954, both families formed an inseparable bond that lasts to this day. When Vera moved into Mercy Place Fernhill in 2018, Peg joined her only six months later.

“It’s such a gift to be able to share so much of my life with someone. We’re both so proud that we have found a friendship that has lasted a lifetime all while witnessing our families blossom side by side,” Mrs Dennison said.

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Pictured: Residents Lesley (95) and Jim Brandreth (92) celebrated Valentine’s Day at Mercy Place Shepparton