Wife of ‘America’s longest married couple’ fame dies at 97

November 2, 2012 | Cinema | Written by

Washington, Nov 2: Just months after being recognized as being the longest married couple in America, the matriarch of the Faiss family passed away on Sunday in Las Vegas at the age of 97.

Theresa Faiss was honoured with hubby Wilbur in January by the Worldwide Marriage Encounter for being the longest-married couple of 2012. They were married for 79 years, Fox News reported.

“She was an amazing woman who was adored by her three sons,” Linda, her daughter-in-law, told the publication.

“Fortunately the family got together a couple of days ago for Dad’s 101st birthday.

Wilbur, who served in the Senate between 1976 and 1984, is the oldest living former Nevada state legislator.

Earlier this year, President Barack Obama had planned to give the couple a public acknowledgement during a campaign appearance in southern Nevada, but they were unable to attend.

Family members said that they met the president during a later visit.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her sons, lawyer Robert Faiss and retired hotel executives Ron and Don Faiss; six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. (ANI)