For 65 years, Mary "Sandy" and Robert "Bob" Godlewsky have rarely been apart. They met as children in Connecticut when Sandy was 12 and Bob was 13. Bob still remembers the moment he first saw the redheaded girl leaning against a wall.
"I thought, 'I've got to find out who that is,' and it's been us ever since," he said.
From that day forward, they built a life side by side.
When Bob learned he would be deployed to Korea with the U.S. Army, the young couple moved up their wedding date, marrying July 8, 1961, in the Hartford church where they had grown up. Over the next six-and-a-half decades, they raised four children, welcomed 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, served their church and community, and became known for putting faith and family
at the center of everything they did.
While Sandy was recovering from hip surgery at HCA Florida Englewood Hospital on their 65th wedding anniversary, her care team knew the milestone deserved to be celebrated.
Caregivers from across the hospital surprised the couple with flowers, balloons, sparkling juice, dessert and a card with heartfelt anniversary wishes. They played “Lady in Red” – the song the Godlewsky’s have long called their own.
"Englewood Hospital is committed to caring for the whole person, not just treating an illness," Chief Nursing Officer Nicole Carr said. "Celebrating the Godlewsky’s 65th wedding anniversary was a privilege for our team. Moments like these remind us that healing also means honoring the relationships, milestones and memories that matter most to our patients and their families."
For the Godlewsky family, the surprise reflected the same compassion they had experienced throughout Sandy's stay.
"From her surgeon, Dr. Jason Collins, to the nurses, every single person who has walked through that door has been outstanding. These people are truly next level," said Kris Godlewsky, their oldest son.
The celebration was especially meaningful for a couple whose lives have been dedicated to caring for others. Bob served as an ordained Catholic deacon for 46 years. Together, he and Sandy spent decades serving their parish, teaching and counseling more than 1,000 engaged couples preparing for marriage.
"Literally everything they've done has been side by side," Kris said.
Their example shaped not only their own family, but generations that followed.
"I've taught my sons how they should treat their wives and my daughters what they should expect in a marriage because of the example my parents set," Kris said. "The four of us all have long, successful marriages because we saw what commitment looked like every day growing up. We were blessed."
Even during Sandy's hospitalization, the couple continued looking for ways to encourage others. Sandy and Bob presented her nurse, Molly, with one of the small wooden comfort crosses they have shared with people over the years. Designed to fit in the palm of a hand during prayer, the crosses have long been part of their ministry.
"Christ is always with me, no matter where I go," Sandy said. “We hope it brings comfort to others."
For Molly, the gift was a powerful reminder that caring for patients is often as meaningful for caregivers as it is for the families they serve.
"Taking care of Sandy was a privilege, but celebrating such an important family milestone made it even more special," Molly said. "Receiving their comfort cross was an unforgettable moment in my nursing career."
Submitted by Julie Beatty
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Englewood Hospital staff honor couple on 65th anniversary
