Couple at Avamere at Port Townsend, Eleanor and Bernie Griffin, celebrate 69th wedding anniversary


For Immediate Release: 8/21/19

PORT TOWNSEND, Wash. – Bernie and Eleanor Griffin, residents at Avamere at Port Townsend, are celebrating their 69th wedding anniversary.

“When Bernie told me that it was going to be their 69th wedding anniversary, I knew I wanted to help them make it special,” said Lois Jasmer, Community Relations Director at Avamere at Port Townsend. “I wanted to celebrate the commitment of this couple.”

When asked how they made it this long, Bernie answered, “I just love her very much and always have. I bring her breakfast from the dining room every morning, because I know what she likes and I want her to be happy.”

Bernie and Eleanor Griffin met at a dance in Canada where Eleanor lived and Bernie was visiting while on a break from college at Seattle University.

“My friend took me to a dance in Canada, and he gave me a choice between two gorgeous women, a redhead and a blonde. I chose the blonde,” Bernie said.

Little did Bernie know that his choice would be the start of a lasting relationship. The two married August 25, 1950 after a one-year long-distance engagement. They then moved to Fairbanks, Alaska where Bernie purchased a pie bakery unbeknownst to his wife, who was three months pregnant at the time.

They enjoyed running the bakery together, and according to Bernie, Eleanor made the best meringue in the state.

The couple eventually sold the bakery and moved to Seattle, Washington where Bernie became a federal meat inspector. This job was full of great memories for Bernie as the resident inspector for the World’s Fair in Seattle and meeting Elvis Presley in a hallway during his shoot of “It Happened at the World’s Fair.”

Today, the Griffins reside at an independent and assisted living community, Avamere at Port Townsend.

Avamere congratulates Bernie and Eleanor Griffin on their wedding anniversary. Avamere at Port Townsend staff, residents, and the couple’s friends and family will celebrate this momentous occasion with an anniversary party on August 25.

About the Avamere Family of Companies

Founded in 1995 and based in Wilsonville, Oregon, the Avamere Family of Companies provides assisted living, independent living, memory care, rehabilitation, home care, transitional care, and more. Today Avamere’s diverse companies operate in over 250 locations across 19 states with over 8,800 employees. Avamere is proud to be considered one of Oregon’s most admired companies as they continue to serve their valued patients and residents. For more information, please visit avamere.com.

Avamere Family of Companies

25115 SW Parkway Ave, Suite B

Wilsonville, OR 97070

For press inquiries, please email press@avamere.com.

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