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WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – Valentine’s Day is extra special to one pair of lovebirds at Fellowship Retirement Community in Whitehall Township. She’s 95, and he’s 96.
“In your arms, I feel safe, at peace,” Jim Sticher read from his Valentine’s Day card from his wife Arlene Sticher.
“After all this time, I’m still learning, still loving, still grateful for the day you came into my life, changing it forever. Love, Jim,” Arlene Sticher read from her Valentine’s Day card from Jim Sticher.
The Stichers have never missed exchanging Valentine’s Day cards.
“This has been a love story for 75 years,” said Arlene Sticher.
Chapter one began when Arlene sent Jim a letter and a photo of herself. He was in the service stationed in Japan. Within months of him returning to Pennsylvania, the duo was married.
“He was a fast mover,” Arlene Sticher said.
“Yeah,” laughed Jim Sticher.
They treasure photos from their wedding day.
“As he was kissing me at the ceremony, the sun came out,” said Arlene Sticher.
For three decades, she worked at Sears, and he worked at West End Electric.
The husband and wife beam with pride as they discuss their daughter, grandson, two great grandsons, and each other.
For Jim, Arlene always comes first. His devotion is exemplified by acts, large and small, including helping her when the fire drill went off during our interview.
“He is so supportive of the things that I can’t do anymore, and helps me so much, and we never go to bed angry. I always tell him he’s the love of my life, and he tells me the same thing,” said Arlene Sticher.
“She was just as supportive to me whenever I needed support, too. There are hard times that you go through, and you’ve got to buckle down,” said Jim Sticher. “We both have a lot of faith.”
The Stichers value each other and each moment like this.
“Love you,” said Arlene Sticher.
“Love you,” replied Jim Sticher, with two kisses.
They’ll be celebrating their 76th anniversary in just a couple of weeks.