Two Whiddon Temora Couples to Celebrate 139 Years of Wedded Bliss this Valentine’s Day
Meet the two couples residing in the same Temora care home as they reflect on their love stories and shared favourite day of their lifetime – their wedding day.
6 February 2024
Proving that love only continues to blossom with age, this Valentine's Day a duo of lovebirds from the regional NSW town of Temora will celebrate the annual day of love with a shared 139 years of wedded bliss.
Reg and Dell Breust and Joe and Shirley Mickelson now happily reside in the same Whiddon Temora care home with each possessing an incredible legacy of their own unique love story. As unique as these love stories are, and after over a century of marriage, both proudly recount the best day of their lives as their wedding day.
Reg and Dell Breust have been happily married for an impressive 72 years after their love blossomed over a sprained ankle at the old Carlton House Hospital in Temora. When Reg attended with an injury Dell was the nurse aide charged with taking care of him and the two formed an instant and lasting bond. They married on the 27th of October in 1956 at the Temora Lutheran Church and honeymooned in Albury.
Joe and Shirley Mickelson first met when they were just sixteen and instantly knew they would be wed. They married on the 6th of October 1956 at Ariah Park Catholic Church and in 2023 proudly celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.
Speaking to the secret of their long and happy marriage, Reg and Dell believe their friendship has remained constant as well as their commitment to compromise and give and take 50/50. Whilst Joe and Shirley maintain their secret to a long marriage is communication with each other.
"We feel privileged being able to care for these amazing couples. Ensuring they continue to write their new chapters with us, filled with shared laughter and quiet moments," said Gail Lynch, Director of Care at Whiddon Temora.
As a regional care provider, Whiddon is passionate about enriching lives and keeping older people connected to what matters most to them in life, including supporting the ongoing connection between these beautiful couples and the extended Temora community.
It is Whiddon’s award-winning MyLife relationship-based care model that puts relationships at the heart of great care and the driving force behind Whiddon’s proud celebrations of the beautiful love stories of the Breust’s and Mickelson’s this Valentine's Day.
Whiddon operate 23 residential aged care homes across NSW & SE QLD, proudly supporting regional Australia. Each of Whiddon’s care homes provide a range of innovative creative ageing programs to support a rich and valued life’s journey for residents.
About Whiddon
Whiddon is an award-winning not-for-profit aged care provider that has been providing care and support to older Australians for over 70 years. With a strong reputation for delivering high-quality care and support to older Australians, Whiddon offers a range of services, including residential aged care, home care, and independent living.
With a strong commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, Whiddon is at the forefront of aged care, regularly introducing new programs and services to enhance the lives of their residents and clients. They are committed to ongoing research and collaboration with leading universities and research institutions to ensure their care is evidence-based and best practice.
Whiddon's approach to care is centred on the individual, with services tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each person. Their team of experienced and dedicated staff provide high-quality care and support and are committed to helping older Australians maintain their independence, dignity, and wellbeing.
