Lovebirds celebrate years of marriage
CHILDHOOD sweethearts Tom and Grace Payne recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary, but from their special bond, it seems the honeymoon stage never wore off for the devoted duo.
While the couple and their daughter Lyn Farrell now reside in Mackay, the family said their connection to Toowoomba remains stronger than ever.
The couple met at the Toowoomba Show when Mrs Payne (nee Ruff) was 18-yearsold and Mr Payne was 19.
Mr Payne was attached at the time but things soon changed and he later told his children that he knew their mother was the one as soon as they met.
Now aged in their late 80s, the pair recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary, surrounded by four generations of family.
“They have been inseparable for all these years … they’re the best of friends and they are a true inspiration to our family and something for us to look up to,” Ms Farrell said.
“I think the most special thing (about their relationship) is their total dedication to each other and for always being there to support one another.”
The pair tied the knot at St Luke’s Church in Toowoomba on September 22, 1956.
And when it comes to grand entrances the bride-to-be didn’t disappoint.
With the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers parade underway that day, Mrs Payne accidentally found herself caught up in the procession.
“Mum is a real character, so she loved waving to everyone from her car, wearing her gown,” Ms Farrell said.
But it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for the pair, after they were both diagnosed with Dementia and have since had to go into full-time care.
Together they share four children, nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.