As Hubert and June prepare to celebrate their 100th birthdays, they discuss how they’ve managed to maintain a joyful, loving marriage over the years.
When a young June and Hubert married in 1943, they had no idea that they would be married for at least another 80 years.
When June and Hubert were 19, they met at church and resolved to spend the rest of their lives together. They just knew they were meant to be together.
When Hubert returned from the war, they moved to Hamilton, Ohio, and had three children. They now have seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
Hubert and June Malicote, who will celebrate 100 this month, describe their lives as humble but blessed.
“We’ve never really gone out much. When the kids were younger we were happy sitting around the table sharing stories about our day,” Hubert told Today Parents. “We’ve had a wonderful life.”
They didn’t even plan weekly date nights. They were simply enjoying each other’s company. Having lived through everything from WWII to the Great Depression and Covid, they claim to have realized that what makes you happy in life is being grateful for what you have and being surrounded by those who love you.
And, if you’re wondering if they’ve ever fought, the answer is no! Jo, their daughter, confirms the claim.
As they explain, this does not imply that they have never clashed with each other, but that they have found a solution to their disagreements. Instead of fighting, they opt to take a little break.
“We didn’t go through life without problems, but we would never do anything to hurt each other,” Hubert said. “If there’s controversy, you might have to walk away for a couple minutes,” he added. “Then you come back in and change the subject or you work it out.”
Indeed, given that they have been married for nearly 80 years, this strategy appears to work.
June has had many strokes in the last three years, making communication difficult for her. She does, however, express her affection for her spouse whenever she has the opportunity.
According to their daughter, they have supper together every night, watch an old western, and then kiss each other before going to bed.
“I put Mom in her wheelchair next to where Dad is sitting and they hold hands and say goodnight to each other,” Jo told TODAY. “Then in the morning, they are so happy to see each other. They greet each other with huge smiles.”
It’s incredible that some couples can live together for so long. They can’t even picture their lives without their lover.
“It’s kind of like if we aren’t together, the team is broken,” Hubert revealed.
The couple intends to hold a joint celebration of their milestone birthdays later in July. A backyard church service will be held as part of the festivities.
“We will just worship God and thank him for his many blessings that he has bestowed upon this family for a century,” Jo said.
For your reference: