As they marked their centenary milestone, a deeply affectionate pair was queried about the remarkable endurance of their nearly eight-decade-long marriage. Surprisingly, the secret they attribute to their lasting marital harmony might seem nearly unattainable for the average couple.
Hubert and June Malicote, who were both born in the rural heart of Kentucky in July 1922, coincidentally relocated to Hamilton, Ohio, in pursuit of employment opportunities. However, their paths did not cross until they received invitations to an event when they were just nineteen years old. At that moment, their fates intertwined, and they began to acquaint themselves with each other. Describing their serendipitous encounter, Hubert reminisced, “We walked in, and before us stood a pew filled with young ladies. She glanced over at me and smiled.”
That smile was the catalyst for a friendship that would eventually blossom into a deep romance. The couple exchanged vows on June 8, 1943, shortly before Hubert was deployed to serve in World War II in Honolulu, Hawaii. Reflecting on those days, Hubert recalled, “One evening, as I strolled through the commissary, I noticed a grass skirt hanging on the wall. I thought sending it to her would provide a clue about my whereabouts. A few weeks later, I received a photograph, and I had my own Honolulu sweetheart.”
After enduring a challenging two-year separation, Hubert eventually made his way back to the continental United States. At the train station, his beloved June stood as the solitary figure eagerly anticipating his arrival. A surge of excitement coursed through him upon hearing the conductor’s words, “She’s here waiting for you.” Subsequently, the couple established their residence in Hamilton, the very city where their paths had initially crossed, embarking on the remarkable journey of nurturing a family. Accompanied by three children, seven grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren, the Malicotes commemorated their seventy-ninth wedding anniversary as they approached their centenary birthdays. Thankfully, their love remained as vibrant as ever, and they graciously imparted their wisdom during an interview discussing their extraordinary life together.
While the couple emphasizes the importance of faith in their marriage, Hubert and June Malicote provided a pragmatic piece of advice for those aspiring to a long and joyful union. June, who faces communication challenges after enduring several strokes, asserted that they have never had a single argument in their seventy-nine years of wedded bliss—a statement corroborated by their seventy-year-old daughter, Jo.
“We’ve never had a disagreement,” June declared. “Not one.” Of course, they don’t claim to have been devoid of disagreements entirely. What sets them apart is their ability to navigate disagreements without allowing anger to derail their relationship. Hubert explained, “Life has thrown challenges our way, but we would never intentionally hurt each other. If there’s a dispute, you might need to step away briefly. Then, return, either changing the topic or resolving the issue.” The couple emphasized that their bond is founded not only on love but also on friendship. Each evening, they share a meal, watch a classic Western film together, and exchange goodnight kisses before retiring.
“I position Mom’s wheelchair beside Dad, and they hold hands, bidding each other goodnight,” Jo described. “In the morning, their faces light up with joy upon seeing each other. They greet each day with radiant smiles.” The couple revealed that they cherish their time together, even when engaged in the simplest activities. Often, they sit around the dinner table, swapping stories about their day and fully embracing the present moment.
Hubert and June Malicote have shared more years together in matrimony than many people spend with anyone in their lifetime. Despite surpassing a century in age, they remain reluctant to contemplate a life without their better halves. Though their advice may be straightforward, it offers a flawless recipe for a thriving marriage—find your best friend, marry them, and never let disagreements drive a wedge between you. Time is fleeting, even if it means spending seventy-nine years with the one you hold dear.