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Date: 2/9/2022
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Married on Feb. 18, 1950, Audrey and Bob Vandal are celebrating over 72 years together.
The couple first met at a dance at the town hall in Whitinsville, in Central Massachusetts. Both were from nearby towns, but they say their paths crossing was not coincidence, but fate.
After dating for two years, they decided to tie the knot.
Currently, the Vandals live in West Springfield, and have lived in town for as long as they can remember, said Audrey.
They have two children, Susan, who lives in Florida, and Steven, in neighboring Agawam. Audrey added that they have one grandson and great-granddaughter who live in Texas.
With many to choose from, Bob said his favorite memory with Audrey has been dancing. Audrey agreed, and added that another significant memory has included their travels.
“We go to Florida in the winter and Saint Martin,” which she said they visit quite a bit.
In their 72 years of marriage, Audrey recalled “one good fight” that she had with Bob, aside from the little arguments that come with every relationship.
“If I get mad, I walk away, come back and forget about it,” said Audrey. “There’s no perfect couple.”
Nowadays, she believes that children are “brought up differently”with regard to relationships and overall respect. Looking back at the way they raised their children, in comparison to everyone else, she noted that a lot has changed.
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Audrey and Bob have continued to keep busy. Sarah Long, director of the West Springfield Council on Aging, said every Wednesday, Bob drops Audrey off to play Bingo, and he heads out to get a Costco hot dog. Bob is the only one of them still able to drive, so when they head out, it’s together.
“We still go out,” said Audrey. “We go with the flow.”