All you need is love
How do you stay happily married after decades together? Eleven couples, some of which have been married for more than 60 years, shared their longevity secrets at “I Do, Take Two,” a festive celebration of the renewal of wedding vows, organized by United Hebrew, on June 4.
“It takes patience,” said Marie Fatigate, who renewed her wedding vows with her husband, Hanes Fatigate. The couple met as students at Mount Vernon High School, and married at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church 64 years ago.
“It means a lot to me that we’ve been together this long and can take part today,” she added.
After a brief honeymoon in Florida, she and her husband settled in Mount Vernon and raised three children.
Marie and Frank Perez, also married for over 64 years, renewed their vows and shared the joy with their son, Frank Perez, Jr., who 
attended the event.
He said he was absolutely thrilled to be present. “I never thought I’d be able to see this,” he said. “Obviously, I wasn’t at their wedding the first-time time around. But it’s so nice to see them still together, still cognizant of each other and their love for one another. It was emotional for me. They are role models.”
His mother added that enjoying each other’s company was key to a successful marriage. “You really have to like each other,” Marie Perez said of her successful marriage to Frank. “I admire him. He worked hard; he accomplished much.”
We care for you like family
Rita Mabli, United Hebrew’s President & CEO, bedecked in a beautiful white dress and hat, led the cutting of the scrumptious wedding cake along with the Fatigates. This was followed by a champagne toast. Mabli renewed her vows with her husband of over 40 years, Patrick Hardiman. 
“Today not only signifies a renewed commitment to the partners we all love and cherish,” she said,” but it also signifies our renewed commitment to our residents, whom we care for like family.”
“I Do, Take Two” was part of United Hebrew’s Centennial year of events, celebrating 100 years of the organization providing care to Westchester County seniors. Participating couples included long-time residents of United Hebrew’s nursing home, memory care and assisted living communities, as well as administrators and staff. The Hon. Noam Bramson, Mayor of the City of New Rochelle, officiated.
Champagne anyone?
