Jane Martin and Fred Clark met in December 1948 on a double date. Though they weren’t initially paired with one another, Fred only had eyes for Jane. He was so taken with Jane that he asked her friend Hazel if they could switch dates for the evening, and the rest is history.
Friends and family didn’t think their love would last because they were too young, but Jane and Fred married on July 29, 1951 and have remained together for the past 66 years. Within those 66 years, their family has grown to include four children, 11 grandchildren and five great grandchildren (with a sixth due in June). This has been a blessing to Fred as he was an only child and was always bit envious that Jane was one of eight children.
Family has always been a staple of their lives, and their children and grandchildren will tell you that Jane and Fred never missed a sporting event, music concert or dance recital. They will also tell you that the couple was the go-to hosts for parties and gatherings in their Rockland, Mass., community. Fred always admired Jane’s cooking abilities, and she would prepare everyone’s favorite dishes for holiday and family gatherings. Fred would contribute to the events by ensuring the garden and yard were immaculate. In the summer months, the couple would welcome friends to their lakeside home for boating and water skiing.
Jane and Fred remained residents of Rockland, Mass., their entire married lives. Active members of their community, Jane served on the Democratic Town Committee, and Fred was a Board of Selectmen member. Together, they also held roles on the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Rockland and were part of the Friends of Holy Family CYO where they worked to raise funds for the town’s first hockey program. Fred spent much of his free time coaching for youth sports teams as well.
Jane’s love for giving back to others extended to her professional life, too. For many years, she worked for the Rockland School District transporting special needs children to and from school and activities; she also volunteered in the classroom with them. In addition, Jane helped Fred, a self-employed carpenter, create a family business, Clarks Builders, which they operated together for many years.
As longtime residents of Massachusetts, Jane and Fred are diehard Patriots fans. They’ve been season ticket holders for over 40 years and have attended four Super Bowl games together. While they were sad to see them lose in the recent Super Bowl, they remain supportive of their team no matter what.
Recently, Jane and Fred became residents of Bridges by EPOCH at Pembroke, a memory care assisted living community in Pembroke, Mass. Fred was the first to arrive at the community as Jane was in the hospital recovering at the time. When she finally arrived, they had a joyous reunion. Though both Jane and Fred live with memory impairment, their love for one another remains strong. The couple is looking forward to celebrating their love this Valentine’s Day. Every year, they celebrate the holiday by exchanging cards. Fred always sends Jane flowers as well.