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Love's Encore: Alzheimer's Patient Re-proposes to Wife
27 Jan
Summary
- Husband with Alzheimer's asked his wife to marry him again.
- The couple first met in 1979 and married in 1987.
- They recently celebrated a vow renewal in January 2026.
In November 2025, 77-year-old Michael O'Reilley, who is living with Alzheimer's, surprised his wife Linda, 78, by asking her to marry him again. This poignant moment occurred nearly four decades after their original wedding in 1987. Their love story began in 1979, and after navigating personal divorces and blending families, they married in a simple living room ceremony.
Michael's Alzheimer's diagnosis seven years ago brought significant challenges, impacting his memory and cognitive abilities. Despite this, Linda emphasizes that his love for her remains a constant, evident even as he forgets other aspects of their life. In July 2023, Linda made the difficult decision to move Michael into a memory care facility.
Remarkably, in November 2025, Michael's profound love led him to propose anew. This led to a celebratory vow renewal on January 10, 2026, attended by 25 close family and friends. The event was officiated by their daughter, Sharon, adding another layer of familial significance to the occasion.
