Montgomery residents Charles and Irene Cooney had the thrill of a lifetime recently when they celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary on June 7, 2022. The couple held a vow renewal celebration before their family and friends during an anniversary party at the Venue at Winding Hills in Montgomery on June 12.

The couple first met in their neighborhood and through their church St. Helena in the Bronx. Irene Cooney shared that in addition to her family, one of her life’s greatest treasures was traveling with her husband over the years and the memories they made together. In 1975, the couple went on their first big trip together to visit Wales which has always remained special in her heart.

Together they have three children, eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. The celebration was a special day she shared and to be able to renew their vows in front of the family they built touched her heart. “It was just wonderful. I mean who would ever imagine to be celebrating 70 years together and to look out and see your family. It was just in awe,” said a thankful Cooney.

Now at 89 years old and with her husband at 91, Cooney said loyalty, honesty and laughter are the most important things in any relationship and the keys to happiness.

“Love includes all of those things,” she explained. “I think that’s what has kept us together over all of these years.”