UPDATE: In a poignant testament to their enduring love, Neville and Rosale Maddison passed away just one hour apart at Mercy Place Aged Care in Albury on September 10. The couple, who celebrated a remarkable 65 years of marriage, exemplified devotion until their final moments.
Their son, Damion Maddison, confirmed that the couple had always expressed a wish to go together. “They were trying to outlive each other,” he said, highlighting their deep bond even as they faced health challenges. Mr. Maddison, who had just celebrated his 88th birthday, died first, with Mrs. Maddison, aged 87, following shortly after.
The couple’s love story began at a dance in Melbourne, leading to their marriage in 1960 at St Matthew’s Anglican Church in Albury. They shared everything, including a room where they could hold hands, reinforcing their commitment to one another. “It was never planned formally, but they had always said they would go together,” Damion stated.
Despite facing hardships, including bankruptcy, the couple’s resilience and shared values helped them navigate life’s challenges. Mr. Maddison, a beloved community member, owned a menswear store called Maddison Avenue for around 20 years and later ran a camping and fishing wholesale store into his 70s. He was also known for his radio segment on 2AY.
Mrs. Maddison played a vital role in supporting the family, raising three sons—Graeme, Brett, and Damion—and nurturing her passion for gardening and cooking. Her granddaughter, Morgan, fondly recalls the cherished moments spent with her grandmother, saying, “She was the definition of a lady.”
The couple’s legacy is carried on by their family, who aim to keep their story alive. “To get to 65 years together goes unheard of nowadays,” Damion noted, emphasizing the couple’s strong beliefs and values that shaped their successful partnership.
In a final act of love, both Neville and Rosale Maddison passed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire their family. “It gave us comfort that they passed peacefully, together, and on their own terms,” Damion shared, highlighting the profound impact their love had on all who knew them.
As the Maddison family reflects on this extraordinary life together, they hope to honor their parents’ memory and the values they instilled. The love story of Neville and Rosale Maddison is one that will resonate for generations to come.
