Couple with Down syndrome proved all doubters wrong: Lived happily for 25 years before tragedy struck

Maryanne’s mother and the rest of her family were hesitant, in part because of all of the criticism and negative reactions from people in their local community. But in the end, they ultimately gave the couple their blessings, saying the couple’s relationship is “magical” and “pure.”

Some people still thought the idea was absurd and that the union wouldn’t last – but nothing could stop the love these two had for one another.

On July 15, 1995, Tommy and Maryanne got married in front of 250 guests in a beautiful church in Essex. Maryanne’s mother had accompanied Tommy to buy the ring to ensure everything was perfect.

“Maryanne looked like a princess in her beautiful white dress, tiara, and long veil. Tommy looked very dapper in his made-to-measure suit,” Maryanne’s sister, Linda Newman, wrote.

In front of their family and friends, Maryanne and Tommy made their vows and they finally got their dream wedding.

“My wedding was the best day of my life,” Maryanne says. “I was shocked when Tommy proposed, but I didn’t have to think twice about saying yes.”

The couple lived together with Maryanne’s sister Linda during the first seven years of their married life. After that, they moved into the house next door.

“They get their independence, they get their private time which I think is so important for everybody. It works very well, I’m there they you need me,” Linda told Daily Mail in 2018.

Thankfully, the beautiful couple proved all the doubters wrong – Linda says they have faced a lot of prejudice for being together, mostly coming from people’s ignorance surrounding Down syndrome.

“When they walk down the street holding hands they make a statement, but in a good way… Some people stare — they assume people with Down Syndrome and learning difficulties can’t get married,” Linda told People in 2017.