Apparently, Gary passed muster, even though he signed the questionnaire in Arabic.įather Brian Coughlan married them at Holy Family Catholic Church. The question of “have you ever been in jail” caused some consternation because Gary had been briefly imprisoned in Saudi Arabia while working as an engineer. To illustrate the sense of humor that Mary’s son inherited, when things got serious, he vetted Gary by asking him to complete a funny background questionnaire. They soon found they also shared the same religion and cherished common values.Īt some point, Gary began to keep e-mails with Mary in a file labeled “Monkey Business.” He made it clear from the beginning of their relationship that, in addition to the extra car passenger and dining companion, he wanted a marriage commitment. Gary’s dry sense of humor, his considerate manners and his bright red Ford 150 crew cab truck impressed Mary.
In addition to Mary’s great laugh, which lights up a room, he was also attracted by her great sense of humor, and love of travel and dining. Gary teased Mary by saying he was looking for someone to split meals out with and to be the second person in his car so he could legally use the carpool lane. They started working together on behalf of the club and soon found themselves on a real date at Macaroni Grill. That’s when she recruited Gary to be the club’s president. He had been divorced 40 years before. They met in 2003 when Mary, who had been widowed, returned to play cribbage and found herself both the club’s secretary and chair of the nominating committee. Agreeing to serve as officers in the Cribbage Club led Gary and Mary Greytak to romance-and marriage! This November, the Greytaks will celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary. Never underestimate the value of volunteering to serve as an officer in a Leisure World club. On any Sunday, you can see Joan and Frank holding hands at Leisure World Baptist Church. We have been in Leisure World for 30 years, and never a day passes when we don’t say ‘I love you.’ “We are grandparents of four and great grandparents of four. God has blessed us with two children, Shelley Hastings of Mutual 5 and Butch Shramek (both of whom graduated from Banning too),” said Joan. “And here we are now, 65 years later, still sweethearts. Both needed notarized letters from their parents because they were minors. Frank attended her graduation, and they were married the next day-on June 19, 1954-in Yuma, Arizona.
Joan’s father said she had to graduate high school before she got married. It was love at first sight-and one that has endured a lifetime. “Little did I know the USS Rochester was in port, and I was to meet the ‘Love of my Life’ Frank Shramek, USN. Off she went with two girlfriends decked out in saddle shoes and pony tails with green ribbons to match the senior sweaters, ready for the Cyclone Racer, salt water taffy and the rest. The Cyclone Racer, a large wooden dual-track roller coaster, built out on pilings over the water, was the biggest draw for high schoolers.
In those days, the shoreline south of Ocean Boulevard was lined with arcades, food stands, gift shops, rides and a grand bath house. One of the favorite places to go was the Pike amusement zone in Long Beach. And spirit day was always celebrated with matching angora socks. That year, Banning High’s colors were emerald green and gray. Those from “the olden days” will remember that upperclassmen used to have senior sweaters in colors chosen by the members of the class. In 1953, Joan Shramek was a senior at Banning High School in Wilmington. May the day be sweet and filled with moments and memories of love. Happy Valentine’s Day to each and every LWer. On this day dedicated to hearts and flowers, the LW Weekly asked residents to share stories and meditations on that grandest of human desires-TO LOVE AND BE LOVED.
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