Despite the decades that have passed, they still recall how they first met back in 1962.
Jan, who was born in Rochester, was working at the school canteen at the time, while Tom was working as an engineer for the Rochester Shire.
Accord to Jan, they crossed paths one night at a dance and the rest was history.
“We met one night when I was at a dance with somebody else and he offered me a ride home. I couldn’t jump out of the car quick enough,” she said.
“After that we met up and started going out together.”
They dated for a while before getting engaged in 1963 and tied the knot in 1964.
They lived in Rochester for another two years before Tom found a new job as an engineer in Heathcote and relocated in January 1967.
Jan, who was pregnant at the time with their first son, Peter, remained in Rochester to give birth in February before following her husband in March.
Jan and Tom had another two children, a son named Paul and a daughter named Mary, after their move and have remained in Heathcote ever since.
Jan said the key to their long-lasting marriage was the ability to compromise when needed.
“I think the key to our marriage has been give and take. It’s not all roses, you know,” she said.
The Rowes will celebrate their anniversary with family at a later date.
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