OUR LIVES: A SWEET 60TH ANNIVERSARY
WHEN Jewel Carmody caught the eye of a young man at a church dance nearly 65 years ago, she had no idea she was about to spend the rest of her life with him.
Jewel was 16 when she met Mike Carmody, then 18, on the Redcliffe Peninsula.
Now aged 80 and 81, the couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on August 10. They have lived at Banora Point for the past two decades.
Mrs Carmody said their 60year marriage had been successful because they’d always cared for each other.
“We’re not young anymore but we still feel young,” she said. “I think just be tolerant of each other and just look after the other person. That’s what it’s all about. The most important thing ... is family.
“He is a good father and husband, a real family man.
“We didn’t have a lot of money but we had lots of adventures.”
Mr Carmody said he and his wife were “still best friends” all these years later.
“Jewel is a beautiful girl. She is very patient and a good mother. She went above and beyond, always.”
The pair have found great joy in being involved with the Tweed District Orchid Society, which is having its Spring Show at Jessie McMillan Hall, Wollumbin St, Murwillumbah, on September 7-9.
“That keeps him busy and I’m involved in that in the background,” Mrs Carmody said.
Mr Carmody worked as a primary school teacher at Humpybong State School, Redcliffe, and the couple raised three children – Andrew, Daniel and Ginene. They have 11 grandchildren.
After a big celebration for her 80th birthday in March, Mrs Carmody said they’d kept it “low-key” for their anniversary, which was recognised by the Queen, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and other dignitaries.
The Carmodys celebrated the milestone with a breakfast at Cafe Dbar.