NEED TO KNOW
- An elderly groom who has Alzheimer’s married his wife a second time on Saturday, Jan. 10 at his memory care facility in California
- Michael O’Reilley, 77, and Linda Feldman, 78, got married again inside The Ivy in Berkeley, California, on Saturday, Jan. 10
- “Regardless of why you’re here, cognitive impairment or not. It’s about love,” Ivy’s memory care director, Aaron Cohen said
An elderly groom who has Alzheimer’s married his wife a second time on Saturday, Jan. 10, at his memory care facility in California.
On Saturday, Jan. 10, Michael O’Reilley, 77, and Linda Feldman, 78, tied the knot at The Ivy on Dwight Way in Berkeley, California, according to Berkeleyside.
The intimate ceremony at the Berkeley assisted living and memory care residence was decorated with white and gold flowers, balloons, and candles, while friends and family gathered to watch the renewal of vows, the outlet reported.
“We’re celebrating love,” Ivy’s memory care director, Aaron Cohen, told the outlet. “Regardless of why you’re here, cognitive impairment or not. It’s about love.”
O’Reilley, who wed Feldman in 1987, was diagnosed about 7 years ago and his “attention and awareness” can quickly change.
“I can be with him … and go to the bathroom, and come out and it’s an entirely different visit,” she said.
PEOPLE has contacted the Ivy Berkeley for comment.
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Despite O’Reilley’s disease, his eyes always light up when he sees his wife, Feldman and staff told Berkeleyside.
The day before their second wedding, O’Reilley was sitting with other people at the center when he saw Feldman and gave her a hug and a kiss.
“I love you Linda,” he said.
“I love you, too, Michael,” she replied. “Very much.”
O’Reilley added, “You’re so beautiful,” as he placed his hands on her face, according to the outlet.
On the day of their wedding at The Ivy, O’Reilley was escorted by caregiver Murdock Storm.
Feldman then assisted her husband as he sat in the front. After being told she was going to talk to him, O’Reilley replied, “Oh, I’d like that.”
Feldman then thanked her husband’s care givers and the staff at The Ivy before speaking about how they met and their three children, who they share from previous relationships.
Reflecting on their past, Feldman said she was “neurotic and anxious” while O’Reilley was an adventurer who’d played football in high school and had dreams of becoming a priest before time as a police officer resulted in him pursuing law.
“We both loved each other a lot, and we made it work with perseverance and a sense of humor,” she said. “We both like to laugh.”
“Yes, pretty much,” O’Reilly added as the room laughed.
“You’ve been a wonderful husband,” Feldman said to which O’Reilley replied, “Really?”
“Really,” Feldman said before the couple shared a kiss.
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