Couple reflect on 65 years of devotion
When Philip and Catherine Cantwell moved into the Victoria Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Costa Mesa about 10 months ago, their children made sure their room had two reclining chairs next to each other so the couple could continue doing something they have done for years: holding hands.
Philip, 89, and Catherine, 87, who celebrated their 65th anniversary on Feb. 3, have been holding hands and supporting one another throughout the years.
On the Tuesday after their anniversary, the couple spent time with their two oldest sons, Philip Jr. and John, reminiscing about Philip Sr.’s coaching career and relating old family stories.
Throughout the entirety of their conversation, Philip was either holding Catherine’s hand, caressing her arm or softly touching her cheek or forehead and she sat in her chair quietly agreeing with his statements.
“We still tell one another that we love each other,” Philip Sr. said. “I’m not afraid to say it.”
The Cantwells met in Indiana. Philip was a football player at Notre Dame and Catherine was a nurse.
Philip went on to have a storied coaching career in high school football at various schools in Indiana and California, including Joliet Catholic High School in Joliet, Ind., Mary Star of the Sea High School in San Pedro, Bishop Amat High School in La Puente, Inglewood High School and Ocean View High School in Huntington Beach.
He was also the first athletic director at Ocean View and was honored a few years ago for his career. The couple’s two eldest sons coached at the school during the time their father ran the athletic department and have been similarly recognized.
Catherine ran a swimming school in San Pedro for 23 years and was involved in nursing administration for years after that.
Even after having nine children, moving to various cities and facing hardships along the way, Philip said he and his wife seldom argued and “never kept score” if they did.
“If you argue, there’s always a loser,” he said. “You don’t want to be married to a loser or be one, so we decided not to argue about money or about anything.”
John said he could attest to that, explaining that he and his siblings never saw their parents fight.
“I’ve never seen a love like this,” Philip Jr. said.
Their Catholic faith has also kept the marriage strong, the elder Cantwell said.
The Cantwells now spend their days at Victoria Healthcare, which Philip Sr. says has a great staff who take care of the elderly couple.
Philip Sr. said he has missed amenities like a kitchen and a refrigerator, but added that it does not matter as long as he is with Catherine.
“I was so much in love with my wife and I still am,” he said. “It’s wonderful, and to this day I consider myself so lucky.”
