URGENT UPDATE: In a poignant end to a remarkable love story, Neville and Rosale Maddison passed away just one hour apart on September 10, 2023, at Mercy Place Aged Care in Albury, NSW. The couple, who celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary, could not be separated in life or death, fulfilling their long-held wish to remain together.
Their son, Damion Maddison, shared that the couple had always dreamed of leaving this world side by side. “They were trying to outlive each other,” he revealed. Mr. Maddison passed away first, just a day after his 88th birthday, followed closely by Mrs. Maddison at the age of 87. They shared a room, allowing them to hold hands until the very end.
The couple’s story began at a dance in Melbourne, leading to their marriage in 1960 at St Matthew’s Anglican Church in Albury. “It was the start of something special,” Damion recalled, reminiscing about their first dinner together, where his father reluctantly ate mac and cheese, a dish he disliked.
Neville battled terminal cancer, but his determination to stay with Rosale drove him to seek treatment. “They wouldn’t have wanted to die any other way,” Damion emphasized. Their deaths provide a deep sense of comfort for their family, knowing they passed peacefully, together, and on their own terms.
Mr. Maddison was known for his hard work and community involvement. He owned a menswear store, Maddison Avenue, for approximately twenty years before running a camping and fishing wholesale business into his 70s. “He always fell back into working because he loved what he did,” his son Brett noted, recalling that they celebrated his retirement multiple times.
Mrs. Maddison was the backbone of the household, balancing business support with raising their three sons—Graeme, Brett, and Damion. Her passion for gardening and cooking has been passed down to her granddaughter, Morgan, who fondly remembers her grandmother as “the definition of a lady.”
Despite facing hardships, including bankruptcy and near loss of their family home, the couple’s love and resilience prevailed. “To get to 65 years together goes unheard of nowadays,” Damion said. “They always carried the same beliefs and values, and I think that’s why it was such a success.”
As the family grieves, they emphasize the importance of honoring their parents’ legacy. The Maddison story serves as a testament to enduring love, reminding us of the strength found in unity. Their remarkable journey together will remain a touchstone for their family, who hopes to keep their memory alive.
This heartwarming story of love and devotion is sure to resonate with many, illustrating the profound impact of companionship and commitment.
