Canton Citizen’s 2012 Valentine Couple of the Year
By Ruth WeinerJohn Jennison and Ellen Marie Crowley met on a blind date in 1950, although Ellen had heard of him because he had played football for Canton High School.
John and Ellen Jennison
“I knew what he looked like,” said Ellen, her eyes twinkling with the memory.
John didn’t miss a beat to finish the thought: “And that didn’t scare her away,” he said with a quick smile and a boyish charm.
On January 11, 2012, the Jennisons celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Because of their devotion to each other and their lifelong ties to the community, the Canton Citizen is proud to name them the Valentine Couple of the Year.
Both have deep roots in the town; in fact, they were born in their own houses — he on Pleasant Street and she on Rockland Street.
“My grandmother was an Estey, a well-known name in town,” said John, pointing to the house next door where he lived with his parents, Faustina and Carl, and four siblings.
Ellen’s father grew up in Canton and was the assistant postmaster. She was the second of ten children and attended St. John’s High School in the center of town, where she was the senior class president.
John is a veteran of World War II, having served in the Coast Guard from 1945-46. His Landing Ship Tank (LST) was set to deploy, but “the bomb dropped on Japan and the war was over.”
After the service, John went to Coyne Electrical Institute and worked as an apprentice. He got his journeyman’s license in 1952 and went on to become a master electrician, employed by Raytheon and GTE, as supervisor of the maintenance department.
Ellen worked for the phone company near the Town Hall in Canton until 1961 “when it went dial.” Subsequently, she worked for the Treasury Department of the telephone company in Boston, where she retired in 1984.
Together they shared the responsibilities of caring for their five children: Jack, Jim, Jo-Ellen, Janette and Joyce. Now they enjoy watching the milestones and accomplishments of their five grandchildren, ages 8 to 28.
John and Ellen Jennison on their wedding day
Devoted to family and the town, the Jennisons are active in local organizations that honor veterans and promote voluntary service. For many years, they proudly carried the flag for the American Legion Color Guard in dozens of parades throughout New England and Canada. They did extensive traveling through many parts of the United States, Ireland, Panama, and the Caribbean Islands.
Ellen is a member of many organizations and never shies away from the responsibilities of leadership. President of the Community Club of Canton, she said, “It makes me feel as if I am part of the community and I am helping.”
John respects her desire to be a dynamic force in a myriad of volunteer efforts. “It’s her choice,” he said, thereby revealing the secret to their long and happy marriage.
“Work together,” they both advised, “and show patience.”
Staying mentally active and physically fit is another key ingredient to Ellen and John’s marriage. During breakfast most mornings, they complete the Globe crossword puzzle, often following it up with a workout at the gym.
With a quiet strength, personal dignity, and a sincere interest in others, the Jennisons are compatible in every way.
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Posted by Ruth Weiner
on Feb 8 2012. Filed under Features.
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