65 years may sound like a long time, but it has passed by in the blink of an eye for Pointe Claire residents Donald and Jennie Hansis. The couple celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary yesterday, and in an age when marriages can end in the blink of an eye, the fact their union has lasted that long is a testament to their love and is most impressive indeed.
"(Don) was in the U.S. Army and I worked in Washington, D.C. as a telephone operator when we met," recalled Jennie Hansis. "He and his buddy were in a fashion show to help finance war bonds, and I looked at him and said to my friend 'that's the man I'm going to marry," she said.
Turning to her husband, she said "Are you glad you married me?"
"Oh, yes," he answered.
"The way I chased you? I'm glad I did. I chased him and chased him until I got him," Jenie Hansis said.
The Hansis' have four sons, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Donald was heavily involved at the Cedar Park United Church for a long time, and was an active member of the Pointe Claire Lawn Bowling Club for a time as well.
The couple, both Americans by birth, have lived in Canada since Donald's job as an inspector for the U.S. Immigration Service brought him north after stops in Texas and Whitehall, N.Y. Since 1965, the couple have lived on Pickwood Avenue in Pointe Claire, making Donald's commute to work at then-Dorval Airport a short one. It's been a great ride watching the neighbourhood grow up around them, Jennie Hansis said.
"We love it here. We have great neighbours who look after us because our sons all live outside Quebec," she said.
One such neighbour returned the compliment.
"They're an amazing couple. They’re wonderful, quiet people who come from the good old days when people were raised with manners and consideration for their neighbours," said Judie Amyot, who lives down the street.
