Ann Finley (standing) at St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver 1952.

Finally, after a long distance courtship that lasted eight years, I received a letter that contained a proposal of marriage. I was working in St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver at the time. I accepted by letter, and about a month later I received my engagement ring by registered mail. We were married September 27th, 1952, about one month after I returned from Vancouver. We settled in St. Joseph's. However, circumstances forced John to return to work in the North once again. Our married life became a long distance relationship like our courtship had been. It continued this way until John retired after over twenty years of service. During this time we had five children. Our first born daughter, Lorraine passed to the angels at birth. We then had four boys. The twins, Bruce and Brian, and then came Noel on Christmas Day and then Sean.

Sept. 1952

After John retired in 1972, we managed to spend two years together as a family before he passed away suddenly on April 4, 1974. I have since continued my life surrounded by my wonderful sons and their families. They take care of me as I took care of them for so many years. While they all live and work outside Newfoundland, we keep in touch by phone and visits. It seems my life has been shaped by long distance relationships and will probably continue that way. I guess love knows no boundaries and families connect regardless of distance, time and place.

The homestead in St. Joseph's

L-R:
Bruce, Brian, Noel, Sean