Finding love in later life: Mike and Patty’s story

The saying goes that love will always find a way, and the proverb stayed true when 87-year-old, Mike Marshall, met Patty Davey. 

Mike, a former marketing professional now retired, decided to try online dating after his wife sadly passed away. Mike met Patty Davey living in our retirement development Keble Court. Patty was born in India, spent time in Africa with her District Commissioner husband and was a WRAF officer. Later she worked for the Foreign Office and became a Borough Councillor – a varied and fascinating life. There was an immediate attraction – both Mike and Patty say it was love at first sight – and their love has been growing since, thanks to their similar senses of humour. 

As the pair hit it off, Mike sold his bungalow and moved into a two-bedroom apartment in Keble Court – to be closer to Patty. Mike explains: “My old bungalow was lovely, and I will always have fond memories of my time there but spending a lot of time there alone was a little disheartening. Since meeting Patty and moving to Keble Court, I haven’t looked back – it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

They have now been together for 18 months and they married in autumn at a small ceremony, attended by their closest neighbours. Mike elaborates:

The wedding was fabulous, we loved it, the guests loved it – we couldn’t have asked for more. Patty walked down the aisle to ‘Marching Through Georgia’ played by Acker Bilk’s Paramount Jazz Band. If you ever need an example of her wonderful sense of humour, here it is. The whole day is a memory we’ll cherish forever – we’ve just received the photographs so we’re enjoying spending some time looking through them.

Mike has been pondering what to do for Patty for Valentine’s Day:

We’ve just embarked on a cruise around the Canary Islands, which has given us some needed TLC time in the sun. I think I’ll buy Patty something to express my deep love for her, a big card and we’ll go out for a lovely dinner close to home.

Mike also has some advice for anyone looking for love:

Don’t be afraid to try online dating – you can take it at your own pace. When you retire and start having more time to yourself, you begin to truly realise how important partners are in your life, whether they’re friends or more. We all need someone to keep us company and to share life with. 

Life at Keble Court 

Patty and Mike often spend time in the onsite café and lounge, where they enjoy having lunch and spending time with other residents. They also keep fit thanks to the lovely walks around Keble Court which Patty introduced Mike to as she is a keen walker. Mike has two children, a son and a daughter, and four grandchildren. Patty has two children, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Both families couldn’t be happier that they've met one another and moved into Keble Court. When Mike’s family come to visit, they’re able to stay in one of the development’s guest rooms – intended for family and friends.     

A place to call home 

Since marrying, Mike and Patty still have their own apartments at Keble Court. Mike’s spacious two-bedroom allows him to use the second bedroom as a study, where he has a computer and personal library. Mike elaborates: “I don’t have much need for a second bedroom anymore, but still need the space for all of my books and computer.” Mike also uses the extra space in his apartment to enjoy painting and reading. The lovely green gardens visible from his home provides the perfect inspiration for his paintings. Mike is also a keen musician, keeping both a piano and a guitar in his home.

They explain: “One of the advantages of having two apartments is that we can each do our own thing when we want to, like if we want to watch different TV programmes.”

As well as being a bookworm, Mike is an avid gardener:

One of my favourite elements of my new home is the patio – it gives me space to grow and tend to my plants. My first purchase was a beautiful Magnolia Stellata. My old home had a large garden that was becoming a bit of a struggle to keep in check, this is much more manageable.

Click here to find out more about Keble Court.