It was a match made in heaven seven decades ago when 20-year-old Helen met 24-year-old Armando Galie. But according to Helen, he may not have known it when they first met.
“From the first time I saw him, he wasn’t too interested in me though,” Helen said while smiling.
Now at the ages of 90 and 94, the couple is still going strong. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary Sunday at Brookside Manor in Feasterville, Bucks County in front of family and friends. They also received a surprise performance from the uptown string band, a special moment for Helen who joined the Mummers in the 1970s. She showed off her skills during their anniversary party, playing the banjo.
“That was tremendous. Awesome, awesome,” she said. “I can’t believe it. It was the best time of my life other than my husband and my children. Best part of my life being in the string band.”
So what’s the secret to their long and successful marriage?
“The wonderful children that we have and keep your mouth shut,” Helen said while laughing. “Be happy and always say, ‘okay.’”
“Say yes all the time when it’s appropriate,” Armando added. “And listen to your wife and pay attention!”
