Love Blossoms at 101 and 90: Walnut Creek Couple’s Heartwarming Story

A heartwarming romance has unfolded in Walnut Creek, California, where two seniors have discovered love in their later years. Barbara Proctor, aged 90, and Ernie Glaser, who will turn 102 in March 2024, have captured the attention of their community with their vibrant relationship, which has blossomed over the past two years.

The couple’s connection was immediate. Proctor recalls the moment she learned Glaser’s age, exclaiming, “Oh my god! Ninety-nine and half is he still breathing?” This lighthearted moment set the stage for their relationship, which began over a bowl of matzoh-ball soup on their first date.

Glaser, who lost his wife, Elly, after nearly 60 years of marriage in 2016, has found companionship and joy with Proctor. He describes her as a “keeper,” affirming the warmth and support they share. Proctor echoes this sentiment, stating that their bond is underpinned by friendship, respect, and compatibility.

Both Proctor and Glaser lead active lives. Proctor, a former schoolteacher, is not only a mother of three and a grandmother to eight, but also a great-grandmother to three. Her commitment to volunteering spans over 70 years, which she credits for keeping her youthful spirit alive. “The volunteer work just stimulates me,” she explains, highlighting how the children in her life affectionately call her “GG,” short for gorgeous Granny.

Glaser’s life journey is equally compelling. He grew up in Nazi Germany and fled with his family to China in 1939, living in Shanghai’s Jewish ghettos with just $12. His family arrived in the United States in 1947, where he thrived as an executive in the food industry. Glaser attributes his longevity to a disciplined lifestyle, saying, “You can’t sit still. You got to move,” which he refers to in Yiddish as “shpilkes.”

The couple enjoys a routine that includes daily conversations and meeting at least three times a week. Their relationship demonstrates that love knows no age limit. Proctor and Glaser openly share their feelings, often affirming their love for one another. Proctor recalls their exchanges, saying, “Did you tell me that you love me? Yes. Did I tell you that I love you? Yes, you did. He was first.”

As they continue to navigate life together, Barbara Proctor and Ernie Glaser serve as a reminder that companionship and love can flourish at any stage of life. Their story resonates not only in Walnut Creek but also offers inspiration to others about the enduring nature of human connections.