Young love…for 65 years

Covid-19 did not stop neighbors, friends, and family from celebrating Barb and Pat Freeman’s 65th Wedding Anniversary on June 18.

Lola Lorenzo and Robbie Doll contacted neighbors, family, and friends and asked them to join the Anniversary car parade in front of the couple’s home.

Mary Lou Dorgan said, “Barb and Pat began their journey in life in Grade School. They went to different high schools, but that did not keep them apart.”

While Pat was working at a movie theater, Pat would drive his motorcycle over to see her. Pat was a fireman all his life, getting a job at 19. They had two sons, Mike and Pat.”

The parade of cars met in parking lot of Millgrove Woodshop and merrily caravanned to Freeman’s home.

Barb and Pat sat in front of their home as they were honored by the 25-car parade in celebration of the couple anniversary. Cars circled in front of them, with people waving and cheering, balloons floating, horns blasting, and painted signs wishing them a happy 65th wedding anniversary.

“It’s wonderful,” said Barb. “It’s a real surprise.”

Once the parade of cars circled a loop, their friends parked their cars and put on their masks, and headed over to congratulate the couple with balloons and gifts.

Robbie Doll said, “Congratulations Pat and Barb on your 65th wedding anniversary! Your love and care for each other through the years has been an inspiration to us. We are grateful for your friendship, for your love, and your laughs.”

Joining the celebration were Bob and Vera Ibach. Bob said, “We’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Barb and Pat during our first four years in Del Webb and both epitomize what makes this community so friendly and enjoyable. Barb has gone to the birds with her bread-feeding ways. We call her the ‘LOAF’ lady of Jameson’s, as she is the breadwinner of the two. Always enjoy Pat’s boxing stories and especially his love for the Blackhawks.

If there’s a hockey game on, you can be sure to find these two lovebirds watching it.”

In recent months, the pandemic has rewritten social mores, but it has not ended the celebration of family, friends, and neighbor’s life events.

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