The Lalor Park couple will mark their 70th wedding anniversary on Tuesday, February 27 with a huge family celebration and a blessing from the Pope.
Daughter Kathryn Newman said her parents had always valued their church and their community and that had supported them through seven decades of married life.
Kevin Sloane and Patricia Boon knew each other as children through school, church and family associations.
“After school they reconnected via the Catholic Youth Organisation and started dating,” Kathryn recounts.
“They dated for about a year and then married on February 27, 1954 at St Patrick’s Church in Kogarah.
“My Dad proposed to my Mum while in the pool at Brighton Le Sands,” Kathryn said.
“They would meet at a corner in the city after work and catch the train home together.
“The first meal my Mum cooked for them when they got married was rabbit. But unfortunately, she forgot to remove the innards and it was inedible.”
The newlyweds lived for a short time in a rented room at Peakhurst before moving into Patricia's parent's house in Kogarah where their first child was born.
Two more children followed before they moved to the new suburb of Lalor Park in 1959 where they still live today.
As the years rolled on, they were blessed with five more children, bringing the total to eight: Mark in 1955, Timothy in 1957,
Jeffrey in 1958, Judith in 1960, Paula in 1962, Claire in 1965, Kathryn in 1967 and Bernard in 1971.
Their brood continued to expand as the grandchildren came along. There are 24 in total, along with18 great grand children with two more expected in April.
Kevin worked as an accountant, finishing his career as treasurer of Baulkham Hills Shire Council. Before the couple married Patricia worked as a comptometrist.
Then as a proud stay at home Mum, she was heavily involved in the children's primary school - St Bernadette's Lalor Park – as well as sport and the Church.
Focus on community
The couple played social tennis for many years and still enjoy watching it on TV. They enjoyed dancing and both were involved in the schools Parents and Friends Association.
Even today they continue to play card games such as Cribbage and Euchre with family and friends.
So back to that question. What is the secret to a long and happy marriage?
“Commitment shared Catholic values, a good friendship and a community support system,” says daughter Kathryn.
“My Mum is a Life Member of St Bernadette's Netball Club where she was treasurer for many years and my Dad joined the St Vincent de Paul St Bernadette's Conference in 1961 and has been an office holder for 63 years.
“He received the Public Service Medal in 1995 for Outstanding Service to Local Government.
“Both my parents feel fortunate to have lived in Lalor Park for 65 years.
“They were very focused on the new community that they were a part of so many years ago and formed many lasting friendships with the other families in the parish.
“They love their family very much and are, in turn, loved and supported by them. It’s what keeps them going.
“Their grandchildren and great grandchildren are a big part of their lives. They were nicknamed ‘G'dawgs’ by their grandkids and always have plenty of visitors in their home.”
