Tommy and Maryanne Pilling exceeded expectations. Both have Down syndrome and when Tommy and Maryanne fell in love almost three decades ago, many people doubted whether they could make it work. The critics were wrong and the two had a happy marriage for 25 years.
For the past few years, however, they have had challenges when Tommy was diagnosed with dementia, and in December he tested positive for COVID-19. His family announced that Tommy (62) had died on January 1 from complications related to the coronavirus.
“Our beautiful Tommy passed away peacefully … after a battle with severe pneumonia,” sister-in-law Lindi Newman wrote on the couple’s Facebook page. ‘Thank you for showing me what unconditional love was, I will remember your beautiful ways forever, your pure heart, your love of music, Elvis, your dance. Your positive attitude and how you appreciate the little things. Thank you for making Maryanne so happy. ”
When the two met in the 1990s, Maryanne’s family fully supported the relationship. When Tommy was ready to propose, he planned to use a plastic ring from a vending machine. Although Maryanne’s mother, Linda Martin, was shocked and took him to a jewelry store to choose a proper ring. When he asked the question, Maryanne ‘jumped for joy’ and started planning a wedding for 250 people. At the time, few people with Down syndrome got married, as many people did not believe that people with Down syndrome should do so.
“My mom was 100% supportive,” Newman, Maryanne’s sister, said TODAY in 2017. “Everyone has the right to marry the love of their life without prejudice or discrimination.”
Tommy and Maryanne thrive in their married life. The two were well suited for each other. Maryanne likes to talk while Tommy is reluctant and happy to hear what his wife has to say.
“He sits back and listens, and she likes it,” Newman explained three years ago. ‘What keeps their marriage so strong is that there is never a hidden agenda. They love each other wholeheartedly and are honest with each other. ”
The couple lived in their own apartment next to Maryanne’s mother and across from Newman’s in Southend-on-Sea in England. Maryanne worked one day a week at a local charity shop, but spent the rest of her time with Tommy. The two loved bowling, golfing, watching movies, visiting theme parks, having dinner and spending time with the family. They even started getting adventurous in the kitchen. Newman believes others can learn from Tommy and Maryanne’s relationship.
“Everything is possible with love and there may be no restrictions for anyone, regardless of their circumstances,” she told VANDAG in 2017.
While the family was trying to protect the couple from COVID-19, Tommy became ill and was admitted to the hospital on December 10. The family said he then contracted coronavirus. Yet they are grateful for all the care he has received in the hospital and his entire life.
Maryanne, who started living with her mother when Tommy was ill, knew her husband was ill. Martin also shared her thoughts on the couple’s Facebook page.
‘We appreciate Tommy has left a big hole in our lives that no one will ever fill. “I considered him my son, even though he was my son-in-law,” she said. “I have never regretted one moment of the thirty years he has been in my life and care. He has brought so much joy by being just him, I will always be grateful for the laughter and pleasure he brought into our lives. has.”