Charles M. Rohner

I grew up with Chuck and Lorraine at all the holiday dinners. Chuck's cousin Virginia Jane was my grandmother. We all used to kid about how Chuck must have had a hollow leg - he could eat and eat, but he stayed so tall and slim!

Chuck and Lorraine were particularly sweet to me when I was a young girl, and I always loved going to their house. They paid special attention to kids, and I really felt that love. I still have the crystal clock they gave me at my high school graduation, and I look at it every day.

When I got engaged and then married, my husband got to meet Chuck and Lorraine. He noticed how special they were, too. We were overjoyed on our wedding day when they were unexpectedly able to make it to our reception. Chuck was wearing a back brace that day, but by his smile, you would never know he suffered any discomfort.

As a married couple, we vowed that we would try to be like the Rohners - always in love - and that we would strive to never become old and bitter, but instead become like Chuck and Lorraine - old and sweet.

Their nickname for each other, Honey Dear, is a reminder of this, and we refer to it often!

We've been married 16 years now, and one day we'll be swinging on a porch swing together, inspired by the Rohners. They're the best example of lifelong love we've ever known.

I first me Chuck & Lorraine in 1952, when my parents & I moved to Norwalk. My mother & Lorraine became friends at the Episcopal Church there on Paddison Avenue. My mother was quite a bit older than they were. After she moved down to Leisure World in Laguna Woods, Chuck & Lorraine often drove down to see her. Lorraine was always sending Mother (Anne Calmson) little kitty things because my mother loved cats. I still have many of those things in my home now. Chuck was always a faithful friend & kept writing me Christmas cards every year. They were indeed a happy couple.
With love from Nancy Atwood, Whittier
P.S. I'm sorry I can't be there on Monday, but I've been ill & am not yet ready to go anywhere.