“It was at Sacred Heart Church in San Angelo, which is now a Cathedral,” she said. “It was a beautiful wedding that also included our farm, as Warren was a farmer.”

They met at a church dance, and two years later they were engaged. One year later they were married.

“It was good because everyone married a fellow Catholic since everyone at the dances was Catholic,” she said. “Warren proposed during a band break in his car. He had a ring in the glove box. It was all natural and easy.”

She added that it was a classic case of opposites attract.

“He’s the quiet one, and I’m the talker,” she said. “That’s why our marriage was easy. He’s easy to live with, and I tried to make life fun.”

And lived they have. Born in Eureka, California, Warren moved to Rowena when he was three and rode a Shetland pony to school from first to eighth grade. He joined the Army in 1944, where he served for two years, and eventually ended up in San Angelo, working on a farm. After a seven-year drought, the couple moved to Austin in 1956 and opened Broz Automotive on Burnet Road, which they owned for 36 years. They lived in Austin and attended St. Louis Parish, where they were founding members and very active in many groups and ministries.

“Our business was only three blocks from St. Louis, and Warren would go to 6:30 Mass every morning. It was important to him that it was a part of his daily routine,” Bernie said. “I would go later, after taking care of the kids.”

At age 70, Warren got into the cattle business, which kept him busy until just recently.

Their children, Randy, Roger, Loretta and Robert, all attended St. Louis Catholic School. Randy passed away when he was 56, but the others, as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren, live in the area and help with grocery shopping, cooking, driving and other needs as Bernie and Warren still live in their own home.

They say it takes queen bees and worker bees to make a hive, and there’s no argument that Bernie is the family’s “Queen B.” As her daughter-in-law said, “If you wonder what a matriarch is, she is it!” Warren wholeheartedly agreed.

“She’s in charge!” he laughed. “I ran the business, and she ran the home and the family. It’s that simple, and it worked.”

Even at 94 and 97, the two refuse to slow down, with Warren still mowing the lawn on his beloved riding mower and driving an ATV to check the mail. Bernie still does housework and cherishes their 75-year-wedding anniversary. The milestone was recognized with an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis, which was recently presented to them by Father Larry Stehling, pastor of Santa Rosa Parish.

So, what advice do they have for young couples today? “It’s important to remember the ‘until death do us part’ words,” Bernie said. “I remember hearing that during our wedding and thinking, ‘that’s a really long time,’ and I told Warren, ‘We can make it good or we can make it bad.’ We’ve made it good!”

She also credits friends, family and faith for the longevity of their marriage and their lives. More than one hundred family members and friends recently came to their anniversary celebration.

“Church has always been number one, and we never miss Mass or table prayer,” Bernie said. “Everyone knows I’m the person who prays, and it’s helped us get through many struggles and challenges and to never give up or lose hope.”

Her daughter-in-law Linda credits her in-laws with being guiding lights.

“What Mom and Dad have shown us is their faith, working hard, putting God first then family, helping those in need, setting the examples of encouragement, and that faith and prayer are what are important,” she said. “Life hasn’t always been easy, but they’ve worked hard and have pushed through.”

Every morning Warren still gets up and makes coffee and the two of them often watch morning Mass on TV. Bernie credits their longevity to good habits and good food.

The couple appreciates everyone’s prayers and blessings.

“Who knows, we may need them in the next few years!” Bernie said.