The couple got married in San Antonio in 1968.
SAN ANTONIO — A St. Hedwig couple is celebrating 57 years of marriage — and after a recent health scare, they say their love has never been stronger.
Guadalupe Sotello Noyola and Trinidad Romero Noyola were preparing to celebrate their 80th birthdays when an unexpected hospital visit turned their family’s joy into fear. Just one day before their celebration, Trinidad suffered a heart attack.
“I was just thanking the Lord for allowing me this moment with my husband,” Guadalupe said, reflecting on the emotional scene that soon turned into a dance of gratitude at the hospital.
The couple’s love story began in 1967 at a San Antonio dance, where Trinidad says he instantly knew Guadalupe was the one.
“I fell in love with her when I first met her,” he said. “To me, she was the most beautiful girl in the world.”
Ten months later, the two were married in San Antonio. At the time, Trinidad was training in the police academy while Guadalupe began her career as an educator for South San Antonio ISD.
For nearly 50 years, Guadalupe dedicated herself to teaching — earning Teacher of the Year honors twice.
“The thing I really enjoyed,” she said, “was when I taught my students something they couldn’t quite see — and then suddenly they’d say, ‘Oh Ms. Noyola, I get it now!’”
Meanwhile, Trinidad spent three decades with the San Antonio Police Department, serving as an officer, detective, and investigator on more than 200 homicide cases.
“I loved the adventure, I loved the excitement,” he said. “I love my work — I would do it again.”
Their shared commitment to hard work, faith, and one another, they say, has been the foundation of their lifelong marriage.
“She was a hard worker already. I was a hard worker. We weren’t going to quit,” Trinidad said. “We both had the same view — that this was a commitment for life.”
Now recovering from his heart attack, Trinidad says he’s grateful for every new day he shares with his wife.
“Just like King David said in the Psalms,” he said. “‘Thou hast turned my mourning into dancing.’ I give the Lord all the glory and honor.”
As for their secret to a long, happy marriage? The couple credits their faith — and a balance of communication, forgiveness, and compassion.