Some love stories are written in the stars, and the story of William “Bill” McKee and his wife, Barbara, is one of them.

In 1965, when Bill first began dating Barbara, he made a bold declaration: he told her he was going to marry her. True to his word, on August 23, 1969, they exchanged vows at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. From that day forward, their lives became beautifully intertwined—partners not only in marriage, but in every chapter of life.

For 56 years, Bill and Barbara shared a love built on trust, laughter, faith, and devotion. Together, they raised a family, supported each other’s dreams, and created a home that was always open to friends and loved ones. Whether cheering on their children, Jeanne and Steve, or later delighting in the joys of grandparenthood, they were a team through and through.

Barbara was by Bill’s side through the highs of his career as a beloved music educator and through the challenges, including his battle with Parkinson’s. Their bond was a testament to resilience—the kind of love that endures not only because of joy but also because of shared strength in difficult times.

Those who knew Bill and Barbara often saw the gentle humor, warmth, and care that defined their relationship. They were partners in adventure, from building a retreat home in North Carolina, to traveling by train across the country, to quiet evenings at Horseshoe Lake surrounded by family, friends, and their beloved Labradors.

Their story reminds us that true love isn’t about perfection—it’s about promise. The promise to stand by one another, to nurture one another, and to walk hand in hand through life’s journey.

Bill and Barbara truly were a match made in heaven, and their love remains an inspiration to all who were blessed to witness it.