The couple grew up in Garden River and their families were friends before they began dating. “We knew there was a connection early on,” Doreen reflected. “He’d ask me to go to the movies and shows in town. A couple years into dating, we were walking by Whalen’s Jewellers in the Sault, and he asked if he could buy me a ring. It was like a friendship ring.”

They tied the knot on Aug. 10, 1944. Five years into their marriage, they built a house together and have lived there since.

As for the secret to their decades-long marriage? “Understanding each other,” Doreen said. “There’s no need to argue. Yesterday’s gone by; you’ll never have that back again. Don’t dwell on things of the past, look for the future for better things. She also said that it’s important to have a sense of humor. She and Harold had an Alexa set up in their home, and he would speak to the virtual assistant, joking that it made her jealous. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

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