Ron and Vera Hunt ahead of her 101st birthday next week.
The daughter of a market gardener, and she was among many in those days “as everyone grew their own food”, said life was slower and more friendly back when everyone knew your name.
Her first fiancee was killed in the second world war in Papua New Guinea but it wasn’t long before another boy, Ron, among the parishioners at Revesby Congregational Church, caught her eye and they were married 74 years ago in March.
They still live in their Mimosa Road, Greenacre, home which they built in 1949 with Vera celebrating her 101st birthday on January 20 and Ron turning 97 on November 19.
“I’m her toy boy,” he said with a laugh.
Raising a son Bryan and grand-daughter Jodie, the couple were keen day trip travellers up until a couple of years ago when they decided driving had become a bit risky.
Very sporty, Ron has taken part in 20 city to surf runs while Vera says she walked about five of them.
A Bankstown couple through and through, they say they never wanted to live anywhere else and feel lucky to still able to live together in their own home with the support of their son.
As far as a big celebration goes, Vera says they will just do something quieter this year.
“Last year’s celebration was terrific because of the milestone but now it’s just another number,” she said.
“The only advice I can give others who want to reach 100 or 101 is to not go mad, live a nice, quiet life and preferably with the person you love.”
