Maryanne was born on May 17, 1971, and Tommy arrived on March 21, 1958—coincidentally on World Down Syndrome Day! I am Maryanne’s sister, and for the past 16 years, I have had the honor of caring for both Maryanne and Tommy. They both have Down syndrome, but their love story is nothing short of extraordinary.
Maryanne’s life has not always been easy. She endured bullying in the streets, which left her with a nervous breakdown and made her afraid to leave home. But with patience, love, and unwavering support, she regained her strength and returned to her usual joyful self. Life has brought her many challenges and heartbreaks, yet her relationship with Tommy has been a shining fairy tale amid the struggles.
Maryanne and Tommy first met in 1990 while working at a local training center for people with disabilities. Fate brought them together in the kitchen, where they shared a passion for cooking. From the moment they met, it was clear something special was beginning to bloom. They started dating, and 18 months later, Tommy, ever the gentleman, asked our mom, Linda, for permission to propose. Three years after they met, in 1995, they were married and Tommy moved into our family home.
Their wedding day was magical, surrounded by family, friends, and love. About 250 people attended the celebration, which lasted all day. Maryanne looked like a princess in her white gown, tiara, and flowing veil, while Tommy looked elegant in his bespoke suit. I remember seeing Maryanne arrive in the car and thinking how perfect it all was. I wanted my wedding to feel just as magical, and when my own day came, I found a husband who supported me just as lovingly while caring for Maryanne and Tommy, and raising our children.
I was only seven when Maryanne and Tommy married, and I remember watching her walk down the aisle, sparkling shoes catching the sunlight, hair perfectly styled, radiating happiness. Their first dance was to “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing, and the church was full of tears and smiles as they danced among their guests.
Sixteen years ago, Maryanne and Tommy moved into their own apartment next door to our mom, where they have lived independently ever since. With daily help from our family, they manage most tasks together. Tommy, who lost both parents as a child, had spent much of his youth in supported living where he received inadequate care. Moving in with us meant learning basic personal care, adopting healthier habits, and adjusting to a more loving environment. They both need support, but together, they are a remarkably capable team.
Maryanne is naturally caring, kind, and motherly—she is the eldest of four children and a devoted aunty to my two kids. She can also be stubborn, moody, and bossy—but who isn’t at times? Maryanne and Tommy live in a world built around their love for each other. Their bond is so deep they cannot bear to be apart. On a trip to Disney, I witnessed this love in its purest form: arm in arm, completely absorbed in the moment, utterly devoted to one another. Tommy tells Maryanne he loves her dozens of times every day, and she responds with equal devotion.
Five years ago, Tommy was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He now requires help with everyday tasks, from bathing to climbing stairs, and often becomes forgetful or agitated. Some days, he even does not recognize Maryanne as his wife, which is heartbreaking for her. We explain his confusion gently, telling her he is troubled by a bad dream. Despite these challenges, Maryanne cares for him tirelessly, showing extraordinary patience and love.
One memory I will always treasure is watching them at Disney, watching fireworks hand in hand, lost in each other and unaware of anyone else. Their love is pure, selfless, and without pretense. It reminds me—and everyone who sees them—that love transcends obstacles, labels, and societal expectations.
Maryanne and Tommy have taught us all that with the right support, anything is possible. They have proven the doubters wrong, inspiring others with their story. My daughter proudly shares their achievements at school, and recently they even appeared on the evening news after Tommy received nearly 100 birthday cards from followers on Facebook. Maryanne introduces Tommy as her husband to everyone she meets, and they walk hand in hand everywhere, their smiles full of joy and contentment.
Their life is full of simple pleasures—bowling, shopping, dining out, walks, visits to farms and zoos, and quiet evenings together watching television. Tommy often calls Maryanne “my love” or “my darling wife,” sings Elvis songs to her, and together they even visited Graceland, a lifelong dream come true. Though they face dangers and challenges—like the time someone stole Tommy’s wallet—they are surrounded by community support, showing just how beloved they are.
Fourteen years ago, they renewed their wedding vows, and again four years ago. They have now been together for 29 years, since Maryanne was 19. Tommy celebrated his 60th birthday on World Down Syndrome Day, surrounded by love. Despite past skepticism about their marriage, they remain devoted and blissfully happy, a testament to what love can achieve.
Maryanne and Tommy are now the longest-living couple with Down syndrome, and their motto says it all: anything is possible with love. Their story is a fairy tale, a lesson, and an inspiration, proving that love knows no boundaries, and that life with love, care, and support can be truly magical.
