First-Time Bride Marries at 81

[Rose Siding]

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. -- Patricia McGeary's first wedding plans were lost decades ago when her intended groom joined the military and was killed in active duty during World War II.

Now, at age 81, the Parkersburg resident has taken that trip down the aisle with Enman "Buddy" Goldsmith. The two wed Saturday at the Willows Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Parkersburg, where McGeary has lived for about three years.

"I just never found anyone I cared enough to give my heart to after that, until I met Buddy," she said.

McGeary wore a gown of white silk and beaded satin, and her wheelchair was rolled to the flower-bedecked altar in the center's dining room, which was transformed into a chapel and reception hall for the ceremony. Approximately 80 residents, friends, family and center employees attended.

"Isn't she beautiful?" Goldsmith asked quietly.

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-wedding-wait,0,6331048.story?coll=sns-ap-nationworld-headlines

[Avalon Sparks]

1. How sweet. :)

Another article:

http://www.newsandsentinel.com/columns/story/1031202003_colHeatherlove.asp

With more detail.

The seniors are excited about their approaching nuptials, as any prospective bride and groom would be. However, they don't have any family in the area and receive a nominal stipend from Social Security each month. The possibility of a dream wedding or any wedding at all seemed rather bleak.

Their love story touched one of my reporters, who, like I, has a soft spot for these things. She had been interviewing another woman at the residential care facility and learned of Pat's and Buddy's plight. It didn't take long before she recounted the inspiring, romantic saga to me, and then I shared it with others in the newsroom.

Soon, a plan was hatched. We decided to help coordinate a wedding for the couple. After all, any bride who waits more than eight decades to find Mr. Right deserves to have a special a wedding day.

I'm a sucker for love stories, thanks for posting this!