WelCom February/March 2025
Denise Powell
A couple who have spent 70 years together between the Palmerston North and Hamilton dioceses, recently celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary among family and friends.
John and Doreen Buckley were married at St Brigid’s Catholic Church in Pahiatua by Fr BJ Carruthers on 22 January 1955. They celebrated 70 years of marriage with a Mass at St Brigid’s Catholic Church in Feilding, officiated by Fr Vince Jones, on 25 January 2025.
Over 100 guests came to Mass and enjoyed a luncheon for the occasion.
During the Mass, John and Doreen received the Papal Blessing, recognising their milestone.
John 91 and Doreen 88 have shared many grand moments in their lives and have experienced more than their share of grief.
They had six children – four daughters and two sons, losing Jacinta Schicker in 1992 and Robert Buckley in 2014, both as sudden deaths. They have 17 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren – many of whom attended the celebration – along with their surviving children Denise Powell, Jane Fitzgerald, Patricia Barnes and John Buckley Junior, as well as two members of their bridal party.
Faith and family have been the backbone of their marriage, and they are the perfect role models for their family members and others.
Doreen and John have complemented each other perfectly. They have worked side-by-side in businesses, from transport to farming, to a tearooms and takeaway, back to farming, then finally transport again, neither one being the ‘boss’ and never an argument heard.
Doreen, who is the eldest of four children and John who is number five of 18 children, say there is no secret to their long and happy marriage, but ‘common sense and discuss everything’ is their advice.