Arcare Aged Care Couple Celebrate 75 Years of Love and Marriage

James and Lexie Bell courted for nearly two years before they were married, Lexie had just started working at TNG Insurance at the age of 16. James was in the Navy and had been overseas for three years on a ship called the Ipswich, and James had walked into the office and asked the girls if they wanted to attend his 21^st birthday party. Lexie’s mother had said “no way are you going!”

Lexie and James then wrote back and forth for over 12 months, until he came home on New Year’s Eve. On New Year’s Day he got on a train from Dutton Park to Raby Bay, Cleveland. This is when James met Lexie’s mother and she decided that she liked him and they got engaged when Lexie was 18. One of the provisions for James to go out with Lexie originally was that he had to learn how to dance. Their wedding was held in St Paul’s Church in Cleveland, and they were married by Lexie’s mothers’ pastor. Their best advice for a long and happy marriage is “to just get on well and we don’t argue” Lexie said.

James and Lexie had three children throughout their marriage, however, they did unfortunately lose their son. They now have 7 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren who they all love very dearly.

“They complement each other in every possible way and thus are such a special couple. We hope they enjoyed the day to the fullest!” Lifestyle Assistant Joanie said.