Can’t Help Falling in Love – again!

Fifty-four years ago, a young Sharon Campbell was moving when a man approached her and helped with her suitcase. When he walked away, Sharon’s mom said “there’s a guy for you” – and boy, was she right.

Bill’s perspective of the meet-cute is a bit different. “I fell in love with her as soon as I saw her,” Bill said. Just a few days later, he approached Sharon and asked for a favour – to go on a date with him.

The rest, as they say, is history. For four years, Sharon and Bill focused on having fun and enjoying each other’s company. They went to shows — mostly mysteries, with a little romance — went bowling and spent time growing closer and falling in love. Four years later, they were engaged.  

 “I fell in love with her as soon as I saw her,”
-Bill Campbell

When reflecting on their wedding day, Sharon describes it as not much different from any other day. They got up early, went for breakfast, and she headed to get her hair done. Even in the normalcy, it was still something special.  

So special, in fact, that even a fender-bender on the way to the church couldn’t interrupt their day of celebration. “When the police officer came up to the car, our driver said, ‘you can’t take her away, she’s getting married!’, and for a minute I thought we would have an escort to the church,” says Sharon.  

On May 31, 2025, 50 years after that eventful day, Bill and Sharon celebrated half a century of love. Both residents at St. Joseph’s Health Care London’s (St. Joseph’s) Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care (Mount Hope), the couple marked this momentous occasion with a vow renewal a couple weeks later.

"Five decades of love, devotion, shared memories and growth is a truly beautiful achievement. Sharon and Bill have touched the hearts of our staff at Mount Hope. Their warmth and compassion inspire us all. I feel truly honoured to have been part of their milestone celebration.”

On June 20, 2025, the atrium of Mount Hope was transformed into a wedding venue – with decor on the walls, florals lining the aisle, a harpist, and a refreshments table. As music filtered through the air, Mount Hope residents began filling the seats while staff congregated along the walls.  

In keeping with tradition, Bill showed up first, sitting at the front in a chair, smile on his face and boutonniere clipped on to his shirt. When the music of Amy Harris, music therapist at Mount Hope, started playing, Sharon appeared with a flower crown on her head, leading the processional with help from her therapeutic recreation aide.  

The ceremony, led by Father Dan, was a special reminder of the love, commitment and friendship it takes to get to fifty years of marriage. After re-committing to their vows, a kiss that left people cheering, and quite a few Elvis songs (Sharon’s favourite), the couple was married – again!

The decision to renew their vows was a ‘great minds think alike’ moment. The idea came to Sharon after watching the episode of The Waltons when John and Olivia renewed their vows. When she approached Bill with the idea, he had already decided a vow renewal was the perfect way to honour fifty years together. That’s where the Mount Hope team came in.

The recreational therapy team told the couple through song and balloons. “I was so surprised,” said Sharon. The funding for this special occasion came from the Wishing Well Program – an initiative funded by generous donors through St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation. The program grants residents’ wishes—big or small—bringing joy and fulfillment to their lives.    

“What a wonderful privilege it was to support Sharon and Bill in the renewal of their vows on their 50th wedding anniversary,” says their therapeutic recreation aide, who planned the event. “Five decades of love, devotion, shared memories and growth is a truly beautiful achievement. Sharon and Bill have touched the hearts of our staff at Mount Hope. Their warmth and compassion inspire us all. I feel truly honoured to have been part of their milestone celebration.”

For Bill and Sharon, the best part of marriage is togetherness. Their marriage is a dedication to each other. When they were newly married, Sharon was told she should not have children due to her epilepsy. Diagnosed as a child, Sharon had a very bad seizure when she was young that resulted in her entire right side being paralyzed. Originally told she would never be able to walk again, let alone live past her 20s, Sharon’s doctor saved her life with brain surgery when she was 20. Now in her 80s, Sharon defied the odds – and found great, everlasting love in the process.  

When asked what it takes to nurture fifty years of marriage, Sharon says to have confidence in your partner. Bill? He says a little bit of TLC – tender, loving care.  

To Sharon, Bill is a loving and compassionate partner. 
To Bill, Sharon is a wonderful woman to be around. 
They say it simply — like it’s second nature.

Early in their relationship, during some family difficulties, Bill told Sharon he would take care of her. Now, together at Mount Hope where they will live the rest of their lives together, it’s clear to see that he has. They've taken care of each other. They’ve created and fostered a love so deep it is obvious when you’re around them.

It’s clear in the way Bill sang to Sharon throughout their vow renewal. In the way they shared small laughs as they recounted their life together. In the way they finished each other's sentences. In the wise words of Sharon’s favourite musical artist, “some things are meant to be.”