Longtime couples share Valentine advice

Feb. 9, 2022 | Lauren LeBel
llebel@thereminder.com

Longtime couples at the Agawam Senior Center include, from left, Regina and Edward Ekmalian, married 46 years; and Jean and Charles Stowers, married 69 years.
Reminder Publishing photo by Lauren LeBel

AGAWAM — Every year, Valentine’s Day is celebrated by those wishing to express their love to family, friends and significant others. Some of the couples who have been together the longest, however, say it takes hard work the other 364 days of the year to ensure that love flourishes.

To learn more about the secret to a long, successful marriage, Reminder Publishing visited the local senior centers to talk with couples that have been married for decades. In Agawam, Regina and Edward Ekmalian noted that they had been married for 46 years; Jean and Charles Stowers have been married for 69 years.

Edward shared that their story began in 1972, when they accidentally met at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Connecticut. As he was initially going to meet someone else, Edward said he stumbled upon Regina, who was on a camping trip.

“It was love at first,” she recalled.

After a few years of dating, the couple married in 1975.

“We had a small wedding,” said Regina.

They married in a church, followed by the reception at the Westfield Hotel, which is now a homeless shelter, Edward added. Their honeymoon was spent in Niagara Falls. Vacationing back to the falls for their 10- and 40-year anniversaries, the couple cherishes their memories at this significant place.

Currently, the Ekmalians live in Westfield. They have one adopted son, Joshua, who is now 38. Regina said they also have two grandchildren, one boy and one girl.

For Regina, one of her fondest memories with Edward was the trip they took to Hawaii. In 1988, Edward won a trip through his work, and surprised his wife with this tropical getaway. Although Regina said she worried about who would care for Joshua, they worked out arrangements and were able to enjoy their time together.

“Nobody’s marriage is perfect,” said Regina. Similar to all couples, they have experienced their own battles. Regina shared that she had a stillborn baby and was unable to have kids. Although this news was devastating to share with others, the couple was able to cope, together. Ultimately, this led to the adoption of their son, whom Regina said she waited 10 years for.

For Edward, some of his favorite memories with Regina were the days spent on their boat on the Connecticut River.

“We had a cabin cruiser,” said Edward. “We would go for like four days at a time with our two dogs.”

As their pomeranian pup is now 13 years old, Edward said they travel less, nowadays. After selling their boat, he purchased a Miata sportscar that they take on day trips.

Together, the couple now frequents a variety of local senior centers, in which they are able to meet new people — including couples that have been together as long as them, or even longer, such as the Stowers.

Back in the day, Charles said he used to frequent the racetrack at Riverside Park, now Six Flags. One day, he went to pick up his friend Donald to bring him to the track, but instead, picked up Donald’s sister Jean, who was looking for someone to go out with.

“He stood up my brother,” said Jean.

Not long after, the two were married by a justice of the peace in Chicopee. Jean said they had a double wedding with her girlfriend, followed by their honeymoon in Times Square, New York City.

Charles said, “She’s my angel.” Of all the memories they’ve shared together, he looked at Jean and said, his favorite was “marrying you.”

The Stowers currently reside in Agawam, where they have lived for 65 years.
The couple has three children, ages 68, 63 and 50. Additionally, they have both grandchildren and great grandchildren.

When their daughter got married in California, Jean and Charles traveled there by van.

“We drove 3,000 miles one way and 3,000 miles the other [way],” said Jean.

Along the way, they stopped at state parks to break up the drive. When they returned home, Jean said, “I asked [Charles] what he thought, and he thought it was great and wanted to do more [of it].”

Having lived in tight-knit quarters in a van, Jean said, “We learned to get along.” Whenever they had any issues, she said, “We would stop the van and take care of it.”

In addition to their cross-country road trip, the couple has also traveled to Europe and Iceland. Charles, a Korean War veteran who served eight years in infantry, was stationed in Iceland for over a year. When his stations changed, Jean was either with him physically, or supporting him from a distance.

“We’ve had an adventurous marriage,” said Jean. She believes that everyone should try it.

Charles’ advice to younger couples and newlyweds is: “Try to get along.” He continued, “Being married is difficult. It’s a hard road to travel,” although he believes it’s more than worth it in the long run.

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