February tends to bring grand gestures and heart-shaped everything, but for many couples love is built in quieter ways. At Album Monterey Pointe, it shows up in morning walks The Loop, holding hands, and moments spent side by side after decades together.
As an active 55+ community in Kissimmee designed for connection, engagement, and ease of living, Album Monterey Pointe creates space for relationships to deepen in this next chapter of life. This Valentine’s Day, we spoke with couples whose stories reflect not only lasting commitment, but how the right environment can help love continue to flourish.
Homer & Sarah Billups
Married 24 Years | Residents for 5 Years
Anniversary: October 12
Homer and Sarah Billups’ story began in a classroom.
Sarah was teaching at an independent school serving first through eighth grade when she met Homer, the father of one of her students. After he offered her a ride home one day, their connection happened naturally. Their first date was an employee event hosted by someone from the school, which was followed by a visit to a jazz club. From there, what started as a simple introduction evolved into a long-term relationship.
Today, they share a blended family of four boys, two girls, twenty-four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Five years ago, after retiring from Washington, D.C., they made another life decision to move to Album Monterey Pointe.
“The atmosphere was the main reason we decided to move here. We had never seen so many seniors genuinely enjoying themselves and having such a great time together,” said Homer Billups. “Sarah was invited to a tea party before we even applied, and that experience truly stood out to us. Seeing the joy, connection, and sense of community at that event made our decision easy.”
Now active RAP members, Homer and Sarah stay deeply involved in the community. They help run the Garden Club and lead the Religious Meeting every Wednesday. Service continues to be a main part of their relationship with them, celebrating Valentine’s Day by continuing their tradition of feeding the homeless on the second Saturday of each month.
“This community is truly one of a kind,” said Billups. “The activities go above and beyond expectations. And it’s peaceful – without kids running around. The staff, especially Kelvin and Doretha, are always here to provide the best experience for seniors.”
For Homer and Sarah, love has grown stronger through shared purpose, friendship, and communication.
Their advice to younger couples is simple:
“Become true friends and don’t carry problems or arguments into the next day. Don’t go to bed angry or keep bringing up negative events from the past. Work together as a team, understanding that nothing is ever exactly 50/50 – it takes effort from both sides,” said Billups.
They’ve found a setting that supports that partnership at Album Monterey Pointe.
Rudy & Marilyn Neuendorf
Married 70 years | Residents for 4 Years
Anniversary: September 10
Marilyn and Rudy Neuendorf’s love story began behind the counter of a family-owned ice cream parlor in Michigan when they were 16 and 18 years old.
After work, Rudy would offer Marilyn rides home. Before long, they were inseparable. Their first date was a movie followed by a visit to a drive-in restaurant called Ramans. Two years later, Rudy proposed on Marilyn’s birthday.
Now, nearly seven decades later, they have built a life that includes two daughters, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Marilyn turns 90 this week, and Rudy 92 later this year.
Four years ago, they moved to Album Monterey Pointe from Boynton Beach to be closer to their daughter in Hunter’s Creek, which is just seven minutes away.
“It has truly been the best for our retirement,” they said.
What stands out most to them is the people.
“The residents truly make the community special. The staff is amazing, always keeping everything clean and well-maintained,” said Marilyn. “They also make sure we stay engaged and active with a variety of activities.”
The location is another benefit for them. Positioned directly across from The Loop, they can easily walk to appointments, pharmacies, and stores.
Their favorite activities are the Monthly Happy Hours and nightly Bingo where Rudy still holds Marilyn’s hand.
“It gives us a chance to enjoy the evenings and spend quality time with our community,” said Neunendorf.
Though their marriage has always been strong, they acknowledge that no relationship is perfect. They’ve navigated the loss of parents, health challenges, and life’s inevitable changes together.
“We believe in patience, communication, and compromise,” said Marilyn. “Our vows to stand by each other through sickness and health mean everything to us. Today, we spend even more time together, and it’s truly the best part of our lives.”
Their advice for younger couples reflects the same foundation that has carried them for 70 years:
“There are two essential things in a marriage: loving each other deeply and communicating openly,” said Neunendorf. “Date nights are also important. It’s always nice to set aside time to connect with your significant other.”
This Valentine’s Day, they’ll celebrate with lunch out and continue celebrating Marilyn’s 90th birthday.
Community Designed for Connection
As a thoughtfully designed 55+ active living environment in Kissimmee, it offers residents opportunities to stay engaged, social, and connected. For couples like the Billups and the Neuendorfs, this chapter of life is about living intentionally.
This February, their stories serve as a reminder that love evolves. It deepens through shared service, laughter at Bingo, tending to gardens, walking to appointments together, and holding hands after 70 years.
At Album Monterey Pointe, love isn’t celebrated for just one day.