One of Britain’s longest-married couples have celebrated their 100th birthday together—and that too, just days after marking their 76th wedding anniversary.
Eric and Dorothy Dowdy tied the knot on April 3, 1945, and have remained inseparable ever since. The loving couple were born just a day apart; Eric was born on April 11, 1921, a day before Dorothy.
Dorothy, who is affectionately called Dolly by Eric, says the secret to their long married life is “the occasional chocolate treat and glass of sherry.”
The couple, who have three grown-up children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, live together at Cliftonville Care Home in Northampton, England.
“The trick to living a long life is healthy food, with the occasional chocolate treat and a glass of sherry,” Dorothy said.
“I was particularly attracted to his smart dress sense and his fabulous sense of humor,” she added, speaking of what made her fall in love with Eric.
Eric said: “I can’t tell you the secret to a long and happy marriage else it will fall apart.”
The couple met in the 1940s when Dorothy was working as a stage manager at the Royal and Derngate Theater in Northampton and Eric was working as an actor in a play.
They married in St. Matthews Church near their first home in Northampton and went on to have three children: Carlene, 75, Elizabeth, 70, and Matthew, 60.
All three siblings have followed in their parents’ footsteps by working in theater and acting abroad.
The couple traveled to and lived in different parts of the UK due to their acting jobs, including Harrogate, Folkestone, and Bristol, and are now residing in their hometown of Northampton.
They lived together until April 2018, when Eric moved into the care home due to ill health. However, just five months later, Dorothy joined her husband after they were unable to cope with being apart.
“I couldn’t stand to be away from him and I’m not getting any younger,” Dorothy said. “If you can’t beat them, join them.”
The couple, who received matching telegrams from the Queen to mark their 100th birthdays, are now one of Britain’s longest-married couples.
Lucie Bagnall, Deputy Manager at Cliftonville Care Home said: “Dorothy and Eric have been with us since 2018, they are both huge characters and are an absolute pleasure to care for.
“We feel very honored to have been able to share their very special day.”
Epoch Times staff contributed to this report.
Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Epoch Inspired newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter
Be the first to comment