Atrium Village Hosts Special Vow Renewal Ceremony

Atrium Village held a beautiful vow renewal ceremony for four resident couples, each celebrating roughly 60 years of marriage! The entire community as well as friends and family of the happy couples came out to celebrate their love with dancing, refreshments, a photoshoot for the pairs, and a three-tier wedding cake..

The celebration of love and commitment was inspired by Patty Potts, Executive Director of Atrium Village, and her own wedding that took place right at our community in 2024 on Valentine’s Day. 

The couples who were honored reminisced about love, marriage, and dating.

Lewis and Carole Gross

“If it's not going to cost too much, and nobody gets hurt, just do it her way," Lewis Gross jokes. Lewis and his wife Carole met at a church club for their greater area. “He was in church, but I grabbed him. He didn't get away. I trapped him," Carole says with a laugh.

A week after they met, Lewis visited Carole at the library where she worked. “It was probably love at first sight," he says. After being drafted and serving two years in the Army, Lewis returned home and the couple were married in 1966. 

Henry and Odessa Goodman

"As you age, you become more compassionate. Because you've been through a lot together,” reflects Henry Goodman. “You recognize things that you probably shouldn't do and you try to stay away from those.”

Henry and Odessa met in their high school’s cafeteria. "During those days, you didn't have much money, so we'd go to movies," Henry remembers. "During that time, you probably spent 10, 15 bucks, and you thought you had really done something.” The two were married at Odessa’s parents home 67 years ago. On the topic of marriage, Henry says, “It takes a lot of patience, give and take.”

James and Katie Grove

Katie met James when she was just five years old, at the church where James’ father was pastor. Katie recalls telling her future father-in-law “Your son is handsome, like you are. I'm going to marry him when I'm 20 years old.” And she did.

Katie and James both lead very active lives, at Atrium Village as well as through their work. James has been a carrier for the Johns Hopkins Green Spring Station pharmacy for 10 years, and Katie works in real estate while also volunteering in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and singing in two choirs (one our very own at Atrium Village). "I'm not going to stop working until God calls me," Katie says.

Embracing Love & Life At Atrium Village

See our vibrant and welcoming retirement community in Owings Mills, MD, for yourself — Contact us to schedule a tour and experience what it means to live life to its fullest!