True Love Remains Strong After 70 Years

After their eyes met across a dance floor in 1950, the love lives on for Mercy Place Mandurah resident Mark Levis and his wife Eva, who are set to spend Valentine’s Day 2021 once again side-by-side for the 71^st time.

The couple, who were both born in the Goldfields, celebrated 70 years of marriage last month and readily admit that their happy union has centred on always communicating well and making sure they give and take.

After Mark spotted his future sweetheart while she was working at her window dressing job in Kalgoorlie’s town centre, the couple officially met at a dance in April 1950 where Mark asked her to dance, and after dating for only nine months they were married at the local Church of England in January 1951.

After having their four children - two girl and two boys (one of whom has sadly passed away) - the couple moved to Wundowie, 20 miles from Northam, in 1965, where Mark worked as a shift foreman in an Iron and Steel factory in Wundowie for more than 21 years.

From there, the couple relocated to Mandurah in 1986, where their family grew to include nine grandchildren and, more recently, five great-grandchildren.

“I’ve always been deeply in love with Eva and have had a feeling that I was actually put on this world to protect and look after her, says Mr Levis, who now lives independently from his wife, but who visits her most days at Mercy Place Mandurah.

“We’ve shared everything and have always talked things through, and whilst we’ve certainly had disagreements during our marriage, which is completely normal, we’ve always believed in discussing our problems, and have always trusted each other.”

Mercy Health Mandurah Service Manager, Christina Venables, says couples like Mark and Eva epitomise what Valentine’s Day is about, having true commitment and respect for each other, as well as love.

“Mark and Eva’s partnership is a true testament to a long and happy marriage,” she said. “It will be wonderful to see them celebrate Valentine’s Day, Mark visits Eva pretty much every day at Mercy Place Mandurah, and it’s clear to see that the couple are still very much in love.”

Two other couples at Mercy Place Mandurah have just celebrated milestone anniversaries too – residents Kingsley and Lenore Bremner celebrated 65 years of marriage at the end of February and Betty and Les Williams will celebrate 72 years of marriage in April.

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