Super Seniors-81-Year Marriage

Anita Milford was happily married for 81 years. Now, she'll have to find a way to go on alone.Her husband, Frank Milford, died in the couple's assisted living home in Plymouth, southwest England. He was 101.

Super Seniors Frank and Anita Milford of Plymouth, England, celebrated their 81st wedding anniversary on May 26. That Frank had died at the age of 101. Anita was at his side, holding his hand. They were recognized as the longest-married couple in Britain.

The Milfords met in 1926 at a YMCA dance in Plymouth. They were married two years later.
They were recognized as the longest-married couple currently in Britain. In February 2010, they would have broken the record of 81 years and 260 days for the longest British marriage ever.

Anita Milford, also 101, was with her husband when he died. "She's very upset obviously, but she was sitting holding his hand when he passed away," their son, also named Frank.

"For the past three weeks or so he hadn’t been eating or drinking and I think we all realized he was ready to die," the 76-year-old son said. "He knew it was his time and I think he simply died of old age."

When they celebrated their 81st wedding anniversary in May, the Milfords credited daily disagreements for keeping their marriage strong. "Not big rows, just the odd cross word," Anita Milford told The Times of London. "As far as I am concerned, it’s healthy."

The couple had two children, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.