Choose Each Other for a Lifetime
Rosalyn and Irwin Engelman met as teenagers in the Bronx. More than seventy years later, their story continues at The Apsley, a senior living community in New York that’s allowed them to embrace a new chapter—together.
“We met on a blind date,” Rosalyn recalled. “I opened the door and looked up at this tall, handsome man with a briefcase. I thought, ‘Oh my God.’”
Irwin remembered it just as vividly: “What I saw was a beautiful young girl.”
Married in 1956, they’ve renewed their vows several times—each renewal not only an anniversary celebration, but a recommitment to traveling life’s path hand in hand.
Their bond was especially tested when Rosalyn experienced a serious illness that temporarily affected her vision and mobility. Irwin never left her side.
“I could not have recovered without his love,” she said. “He never stopped believing in me.”
Today, they enjoy lectures, classical music, and daily conversation together. “As you age, your needs change,” Rosalyn reflected. “Being in a community with caring people means those needs are met graciously, and we get to focus on being together.”
To learn more about the Engelmans’ love story, read this local Upper West Side feature on their 70 years of marriage.
Find Balance Through Shared Support
Jim and Linda Coburn have been married for 34 years. They met by chance while Linda was visiting a family member in the hospital, an encounter Jim still calls “the best meeting I ever had.”
After many years of living independently, the demands of home maintenance became too tiring for Jim. That’s when the couple decided to move to Sunrise of Gilbert, a senior living community in Arizona, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Since their move, they’ve built a life that feels comfortable and energizing.
“We like it here a lot,” Linda said. “There are a lot of activities, and we’ve really enjoyed it.”
Their philosophy of marriage has remained consistent over the decades, no matter where they call home. “If you’re only willing to give 50%, it’s not going to work,” Jim said. “You’ve got to give 100 to 100.”
Linda agreed and emphasized that trust and communication are the foundation of their relationship.
Every day, Jim tells Linda, “I love you—and you’re my favorite person.”
“Not only tell your spouse you love them,” Linda added. “Show it.”
Grow Together in New Ways
Peter and Stephanie Rehm have been married for 52 years. They first met at a Civil Air Patrol conference in Hawaii, where they both volunteered as observers. Over the decades, their partnership has been shaped by patience, forgiveness, and deep understanding.
“A lot of forgiveness,” Peter said. “[And] patience,” Stephanie added.
When keeping up with their large home became overwhelming, they decided it was time to downsize. Moving to Sunrise of Gilbert—a senior living community offering personalized support—allowed them to make that transition with confidence.
Since arriving, they’ve made friends quickly and appreciate the community’s familiarity. “Everybody knows everybody,” Peter said. “You get relationships.”
For them, growing together means continuing to adapt, engaging with the people in their lives, staying connected to the world around them, and walking through life hand in hand.
Build a Partnership on Care and Trust
Herme and Ken Sherry are high school sweethearts who met in Porterville, California, and have now been married for 64 years. Their relationship has always been rooted in shared responsibility and openness.
“There’s no secret,” Ken said. “You work at it every day.”
Life shifted dramatically after Ken experienced a heart attack and Herme was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The couple soon realized they needed more support than they could provide on their own.
Moving to Sunrise of Scottsdale, an assisted living and memory care community, brought the couple relief and reassurance. Ken remembers several medical incidents when immediate help was available. These moments confirmed they made the right choice when choosing Sunrise to call home.
“I know now this is where we need to be,” Ken said. “When something happens, there’s always someone here.”
With care supported by a professional team, they’re able to remain partners first—focused on each other, rather than caregiving responsibilities.
Stay Close Through Change
Patricia and Jim Lumuscio were married in 1967 after meeting through a bowling league while both worked for American Airlines. Built over decades, their relationship has always been grounded in communication and understanding.
Their move to Sunrise of Chandler, a senior living community near Phoenix, was a thoughtful family decision. With their children living nearby and Patricia needing assistance with daily tasks due to health challenges, they began looking for a place that could support them both.
“I actually found this place,” Patricia said. “We came to look and decided this was it.”
It’s now been nearly four years at Sunrise and they’ve built friendships, taken part in activities like bingo, and developed close relationships with team members.
“The staff here is amazing,” she said. “They really care, and they stay.”
Living here has brought them closer in unexpected ways, too. “We’ve always had a good relationship,” Patricia said. “But being here, we’re even closer.”
For Jim and Patricia, Sunrise not only provides care, but continuity, empowering them to live fully as a couple while they’re supported through life’s stages.
Let Love and Possibilities Rise
Across every story, one truth stands out: long-lasting relationships evolve, and love endures when couples are supported with dignity, care, and respect. At Sunrise, couples are not just side by side—they’re rising together, embracing each stage of life with renewed connection and confidence.
Whether it’s relief from daily responsibilities, immediate access to support, or opportunities to engage with others, Sunrise helps couples focus on what has always mattered most: each other.
If you or someone you love is exploring what the next chapter could look like, we invite you to find a Sunrise Senior Living community near you. Our team members are here to answer questions and share how senior living supports couples in staying together and rising through every chapter of aging.