Mary Lang became Mrs. Ed Pelke in a June 19 wedding at the New York Chapel on the Moosehaven campus.

Moosehaven has been dubbed the Moose fraternity's "City of Contentment" for decades.

But the phrase perhaps rings most true for the couples who have come to this northeast-Florida community after full lives of accomplishment and heartache, fulfillment and loneliness -- and then, in their golden years, who find each other.

The latest happy example came on June 19, when Ed Pelke, 79, wed Mary Lang, 73, in the New York Chapel in the center of the Moosehaven campus. Officiating was Rev. Helen Taylor, an ordained Protestant minister who serves Moosehaven as Director of Resident Services.

Ed had come to Moosehaven as a single man in June 2001, sponsored by Essex, MD Lodge 70. Mary had arrived in November 1994 with her husband Richard, both sponsored by Dowagiac, MI Lodge 933. Eight years later, in 2002, Richard died.

Even so, Ed and Mary didn't become "Ed-and-Mary" until this past winter--Valentine's Day, to be exact. After that point, they didn't waste a lot of time, setting the June 19 date.

Given in marriage by her brother, Ray Hutson of Des Plaines, IL, Mary joined Ed at the altar to recite their vows in front of a Chapel full of Moosehaven residents and staff. Mary was attended by her sister, Ruth Rouse from Decatur, MI. Serving Ed as best man was retired Moosehaven Executive Director Ross Fleet, who traveled south from his home in Virginia for the event.

The bride and groom left the chapel in a beautifully decorated golf cart, driven by Fleet.  The bride's sister and brother sat in a middle seat, while the bride and groom were on the rear seat and took a celebratory drive all throughout the campus.

A reception followed in the Michigan Building.  After cutting the wedding cake, the happy couple danced to music played by a DJ.  Residents joined in the dance and celebration while enjoying cake and punch.