Aging hands tie the knot at Ill. senior center

[January 13, 2009]  TINLEY PARK (AP) -- A suburban Chicago couple really believes it's never too late for love. Dorothy Taylor, 84, and Duane Williams, 82, were married Saturday at a Tinley Park independent living center after what family members describe as a "whirlwind" courtship.

The octogenarians have been friends and bridge partners for about a year, but the romance started to bloom around Christmas, according to 84-year-old best man Walter Urbanik.

That was when Williams got the nerve to kiss Taylor. The two decided to marry within the week.

News of the engagement came as a pleasant surprise to family.

"The courtship was very whirlwind and very unexpected," said Debbie Laneve, one of Taylor's five children. "But we're very happy for her."

Her husband Mike Laneve agreed.

"When you're 84 and 82, you don't need a long engagement," he said.

Williams has not been an impulsive man, but was inspired by "the spark of love," said his son Tom Williams.

About 100 people attended the ceremony at Hanover Place, an independent living center for seniors.

Taylor, who wore a light brown satin gown with a jacket, was walked down the aisle by her 16-year-old grandson Vince Laneve of Chicago.

"It was kinda fun to walk her down and see everybody," he said.

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Information from: Southtown Star, http://www.southtownstar.com/

[Associated Press]

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