Leo and Beryl Fraser have enjoyed 70 years of togetherness.By Kath Gannaway
LEO and Beryl Fraser were destined to become sweethearts.
They met at the McRobertsons lolly factory and Beryl has fond memories of receiving the blessing of old Mr McRobertson as he passed by one day soon after they met.
“There’s no doubt about you two,” he observed with a smile “You have started on a sweet foundation.”
“We used to sit on the bags of sugar and have our lunch together,” recalled Beryl, who had moved down to Melbourne from Warburton to get work.
The couple was married at St John’s Catholic Church in Clifton Hill on Saturday 9 April 1938. Leo was nearly 21 and Beryl nearly 20.
Leo and Beryl received another blessing as they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with family and friends on 5 April.
Along with congratulatory letters from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and other government representatives, they received a special blessing from their parish priest Father Julian Langridge.
Leo and Beryl have lived in Warburton for 25 years where they have been involved in the local RSL.
Beryl said they have a wonderful marriage, which includes three children, seven grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren with another expected in June.
Overseas travel had also provided many wonderful memories she said.
If there is a recipe for a long and happy marriage, Beryl says the ingredients would surely include togetherness and trust.
“We never went anywhere without each other,” she said.
“We had plenty of friends but always enjoyed those friendships together. Trust is another thing. People don’t seem to trust one another these days, but I think it’s the main thing in a marriage.”
