By Mary Frances McCarthy
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 9/11/03)

What’s the secret to a lasting marriage?

"You might say we married for love and still are in love," said William Clarke.

William and his wife, Eileen, parishioners at St. Philip Parish in Falls Church, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary surrounded by their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren last weekend.

William and Eileen Clarke are living proof that love can last a lifetime.

"I attribute my marriage to my husband," said Eileen. "He’s the kind, quiet, generous one. I’m mouthy and the socializer."

"And the sweet one," added the quiet William.

The couple met in the 1930s in Washington, D.C. Although they grew up in the same neighborhood and knew of each other in high school, they did not become well acquainted until after graduation. Eileen graduated from St. Patrick Academy, and William graduated from Eastern High School.

Their relationship began in 1937 when William asked Eileen to go out for ice cream. One year later, William was being baptized into the faith so that he could marry his young sweetheart in the Church. William was raised in the Baptist Church, and was baptized into the Catholic Church two days before his wedding. He’s been a devout Catholic ever since, and credits that to Eileen. "If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t have found what I consider the true faith," he said.

The Clarkes were married at St. Peter Church in Washington on Sept. 12, 1938. The couple lived in Washington until their family started to grow.

They have four children: Tim, Paul, Mark and Mary, all of whom attended St. James School in Falls Church, and they now have seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

William worked for the American Association of Railroads for 38 years.

In 1963, Eileen helped St. Philip School open in Falls Church. She was the first kindergarten teacher and taught there until 1985. Marcy Christensen, the Clarke’s granddaughter, was taught by Eileen when she was in kindergarten. "She’s sort of a legend. She was a strict kindergarten teacher and substitute after retirement, but everyone that had her loved her and remember her when they see her," said Christensen.

The couple has continued to be involved in their grandchildren’s education and faith formation.

"They continuously encourage me to dig deeper into the Catholic Church and find out about saints and history," said Christensen, a student at George Mason University in Fairfax.

Another granddaughter, Marie Mimiaga, a junior at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, still goes to her grandparents’ house to get help with projects and homework.

The couple said that these visits from their grandchildren are what they enjoy most. "That’s what makes you happy," said Eileen. "I love to hear what they’re doing."

Christensen said her grandparents are "the backbone for the entire Clarke family." When more of the family lived in the area, they used to all meet at the Clarke’s on Sundays to eat dinner together.

William’s advice for how to have a lasting marriage is to be loving, tolerant, understanding and helpful.

Eileen added, "Don’t forget why you’re married, don’t give up."

The Clarkes are not shy to reveal their age. They both celebrate their birthdays near their anniversary. Eileen is proud that she just turned 85, and William will soon be 86.

Now that the celebration for their 65th anniversary has passed, the Clarkes are looking forward to their 70th anniversary in 2008.

Remarking on the six and a half decades they’ve been together, Eileen said, "It’s been a nice 65 years."