Parry Sound couple celebrates 75 years of marriage
Ray and Shirley Hanna are pictured in 1950 (L) and in 2023 (R).
A local couple is marking a rare and remarkable milestone this year: 75 years of marriage.
Ray, 98, and Shirley Hanna, 95, both longtime residents of Parry Sound, were married on March 1, 1950, in a small church in Hockley Valley, near Orangeville. A blizzard that day meant guests couldn't attend the celebration, so only the bride, groom and two others were in attendance, but the family says they made up for it with several dances later on.
Their love story began through a shared connection. Shirley's sister Connie and Ray's sister Shirley—who shared the same name as the bride—were friends and introduced them. At the time, Shirley was 18 and Ray was 20. The couple began dating and got engaged on November 25, 1949, which was also Shirley's mother's birthday.
Ray and Shirley Hanna
Ray and Shirley Hanna, of Parry Sound, were married March 1, 1950 in Orangeville, Ont.,
(Supplied)
Before marriage, Ray worked as a taxi driver, while Shirley was employed at the Metropolitan store. Not long after their engagement, Shirley's parents moved back to Orangeville, where she had been raised. But Shirley chose to stay in Parry Sound with Ray's family.
Over the decades, the couple raised a large family. They have seven daughters, 24 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.
In their earlier years, the Hannas enjoyed attending country music festivals with friends, often travelling in their fifth-wheel trailer. These days, the couple's social lives continue through weekly visits to the local seniors' centre. Ray plays in the Tuesday morning band and enjoys pool on Thursday afternoons.
Despite being in their late 90s, the couple continues to live independently in their own home. Ray still drives, taking Shirley shopping locally and on short out-of-town trips to places like Huntsville and Bracebridge. He also handles lawn care with his riding mower. Shirley likes to keep busy by cooking dinner, doing the laundry and baking.
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