Affton (KSDK)--Charlotte and Tom Heale's relationship has survived the Great Depression, World War II and Alzheimer's Disease.
They recently celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary. They were married on September 8th, 1940.
A year later, America joined World War II.
They both did their part. Tom was an Army combat engineer. Charlotte was a real life Rosie the Riveter. She worked in a Chicago factory riveting the flap hinges on C-54 airplanes.
So what's their secret to a long marriage?
Gratitude.
Tom says Charlotte was a great mother to their two children and a great cook. The couple also has three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Charlotte has Alzheimer's and can't care for herself or Tom the way she used to, so the couple is moving into Southview Assisted Living in Affton. The staff at Southview welcomed them with an anniversary party.
KSDK