Couple who retired to Norfolk celebrate 61st wedding anniversary at St Clements Nursing Home
Staff at St Clements Nursing Home, in Norwich, ensured the 61st wedding anniversary of resident Gilbert Losasso and his wife Bernadette was a magnificent family affair.
Several generations came together for a special celebration at the Kingsley Healthcare home in St Clements Hill.
Ninety three-year-old Mr Losasso, who was born in Baghdad and educated in India where his father was stationed in the Army, came to England in 1947 with his family. Following national service, he worked on the railways and then emigrated to Australia where he trained and worked as a teacher.
Five years later and missing his family, he returned to England and settled in Seaford, in Sussex.
His wife, 80, who still lives in their Norwich home, said: “I was born in Hove in 1943 and lived in Sussex all my childhood. I first met Gilbert at a church fete. I was running a stall and he came to buy something. He really caught my eye and my friend who was with me told me he was a teacher at the local school. After that I used to see him on his Vesper riding around with his younger sister or brother on the back.
“Sometime after this I was at a dance at our church hall and he asked me to dance the last waltz! The next day I met him at church and he offered me a lift home on his scooter and the rest is history. We were married after my 19th birthday on Feb 24th, 1962.”
Settling into married life, they had six children, John, Paul, Matthew, Monica, Helen and Mary.
“Gilbert continued to teach and I stayed at home looking after the family,” she said.
“We spent many holidays in Norfolk and fell in love with the county. On Gilbert’s retirement, nearly 30 years ago, we retired to Norfolk where most of the family have since followed us as they too love the area.
“We now have 17 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a third on the way.”
She said through both good times and the more challenging times, they felt they had been held together by their Catholic faith and their love for each other.
She said: “We were blessed to celebrate 60 years of marriage with all the family in 2022. Sadly, later that year Gilbert’s health deteriorated and he was admitted to hospital on his 93rd birthday. It became evident that he needed nursing care and he became a resident of St Clements in November.
“We have found St Clements like a home from home! All the staff and the atmosphere are so welcoming and friendly. When our 61st anniversary was approaching I thought that this year would merely be a quiet exchange of cards and greetings. Imagine our surprise when St Clements offered us a party for the WHOLE family!
“When we arrived there was banners, decorations, and an amazing spread of food. There was even a magnificent cake! It made the celebration so special. We were all very touched by their kindness.”
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