Keeping love alive

February 13, 2025

Then and now – David and Angela Merz, celebrating a lifetime of love.

In a world where many love stories fade with time, the bond between David and Angela Merz has not only endured for 53 years but has grown even stronger through life’s many challenges.

This Valentine’s Day, unlike those of the past, will be spent in a new way, but their deep affection for each other continues to shine, proving that true love weathers life’s storms, adapts and endures, no matter the circumstances.   

Angela lives with dementia, and while many memories have been forgotten, David and the staff at her Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) home in Garran are dedicated to keeping their love story alive.

David and Angela, along with many of our residents, clients, staff, and volunteers, are celebrating this special Valentine’s Day together and we wish everyone a day filled with love, joy, and the warmth of cherished connections.

Like every other day, David continues his mission to remind Angela of their remarkable life together and ensures she never forgets how deeply she is loved.

Their visits usually involve looking at photos of times gone by and recalling the many years they spent living and travelling with their three children in her native UK, as well as South Africa, Fiji, Spain, India, Greece and Australia.

Reflecting on over five decades together, he said they have had an incredible life and he “couldn’t imagine doing it with anybody else”.

He believes the secret to such a long and happy marriage is communication and making sure they are always talking to each other.

“And despite Angie’s challenges, that’s still what I do, I make sure we talk to each other constantly,” he smiles.

Angela was diagnosed in 2022 and moved into residential care last year.

David said he has learned to focus on what she can do rather than what she can’t and to enjoy the time they’ve have together.

“She moved into Ozanam last September and has settled in really well, she’s in the Memory Support Unit and has the opportunity to do activities specifically for her needs and abilities,” he said.

“The staff are so very caring, and she is very happy.

“For us, Valentine's Day will be like every other day, we’ll spend it together, maybe sitting in the garden, listening to music or just chatting about our lovely family, our life together and what we’ve achieved.

“I guess like all marriages you have to be tolerant, and we are no different.

“One of the hardest things is seeing such a capable woman end up like this but I guess it is what it is.

“We’ve had an incredible life together, had three beautiful children, lived and worked around the world as I was a public servant attached to overseas embassies and Ange was a physiotherapist, and I couldn’t have asked for more.

“Ours is a terrific love story and I couldn’t imagine doing it with anybody else.”