Growing family over 60 years

A Bunyip couple has celebrated 60 years of marriage built on a growing family.
When Theodore Braaksma married Mary Johnson at St Augustine Catholic Church, Coffs Harbour 60 sixty years ago, little did the couple realise that on their diamond wedding anniversary the family would grow to eight children, 51 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.
When they began their married life on November 20, 1965, Theodore, 25, was a Poll Hereford grazier and Mary, 22 was a nurse.
The Braaksmas lived most of their lives at Dorrigo ( NSW ) but moved to Bunyip six years ago to be closer to family.
Family has been central to their 60 years of marriage. At one time there were 30 grandchildren attending the one school, St. Thomas Aquinas College, Tynong at the same time.
On Sunday, November 16, 140 family and friends celebrated the milestone with a luncheon at Brandy Creek Estate Restaurant in Drouin East.