We were united in marriage on June 9, 1931, by Father Bernard C. Hanna, assistant pastor at St. Patrick’s Church in Mt. Morris, and the ceremony was attended only by family. The reception was held at Joseph’s father’s home.
We had a 1928 Chevrolet, which we drove to Niagara Falls for our honeymoon. At that time, the number of automobiles on the road was minimal compared with now. There have been numerous changes over the years! Radios and telephones were the only form of communication technology, and now we have television, cell phones, computers, Web sites and e-mail. All of our immediate family was located in Mt. Morris. We now have family located in Ohio, Colorado, Illinois, North Carolina and New Hampshire. It is no longer possible for everyone to be together for all the holidays throughout the year. In spite of the distance, we have maintained our close relationships.
Our family has been willing to assist one another when there is a need. Also, prayer to our Heavenly Father has been and continues to be a source of inspiration, and he is there to assist us in our difficult situations. God is our Savior, and he provides the strength we need throughout our lives. We have been blessed with longevity, three daughters, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
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The couple’s daughters — Johanne Mortellaro of Batavia; Janet McGee of Poland, Ohio; and Jean Latona of Mt. Morris — add: “Throughout the years, our parents’ willingness to accept responsibility and commitment has given them the impetus to weather both the good and difficult times in their lives. Characteristics we’ve always admired in our parents are their unselfishness and love toward each other and their children, as well as family and friends.”
On June 9, Joseph and Anna Latona of Mt. Morris will celebrate their 74th wedding anniversary.
Tags: Catholic Marriage
