When Berwyn native Michael Lyons first met his future wife, Lorie, in 1972, he was immediately smitten, writes Kellie Patrick Gates for the Philadelphia Inquirer. 

However, Lorie, a nursing student who lived in Phoenixville, was already seeing someone. Mike returned to Notre Dame for his senior year, but he kept asking his friends about Lorie. In spring 1973, he got the news he was hoping to hear: Lorie was available. 

After he returned home, the two started dating. Lorie moved to Florida for six months for work, and as soon as she came back, Mike proposed. The couple married on April 20, 1974 at Sacred Heart Church in Phoenixville. 

The half-century they have shared since then has been filled with love and a devotion to family, especially their three children, Michael Jr., Erin, and Aimee. 

They attribute their success as a couple to respecting each other’s needs as individuals and always being able to find compromises. 

“He puts me first,” said Lorie. 

“I love that she is my best friend,” added Mike. 

Read more about the couple in the Philadelphia Inquirer.