02/13/2026
Another beautiful love story from residents Paul Wursch and Laurie Hofmann. Please take the time to read their sweet words below! Enjoy!
1. How long have you been together?
We will celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary later this year.
2. How/where did you meet?
We met on a bitter cold and snowy December night at a mutual friend's Christmas party. Due to the weather, we both almost did not attend, so we believe it was fate that brought us together.
3. Where was your first date?
Our first date was spent going to dinner and a movie at the Millcreek Mall on New Year's eve.
4. Was it love at first sight or did it take some time?
We were clearly attracted to each other right from the start. But we worked opposite shifts, so it took awhile to get to know each other.
We spent many weekday lunches and dinners together, as well as special weekend adventures.
5. How did you propose/make a commitment to each other?
I got on my knee and proposed at one of our favorite places, Chautauqua Institution.
6. When did you get married, where, and what was the wedding like?
We had a lovely destination wedding in Bermuda, on a cliff overlooking the ocean and a pink sand beach.
Afterward, we had a beautiful, romantic dinner.
7. What do you love/respect about your partner?
Laurie is a very caring and thoughtful person. Her nursing background shows in her caregiving, of not only for me, but also for her mother, a long time resident of Springhill.
And Laurie has a deep love of dogs and other animals. She always loved caring for our fur babies and now volunteers at the Erie Humane Society.
The attributes that come to mind when thinking about Paul, are compassion, thoughtfulness and great sense of humor. This is shown through his volunteer activities and numerous close friendships.
8. Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Of course. Whether it be a small gift and card, or going out to a romantic dinner, we always remember how lucky are to have found each other.
9. Any advice you can give us on what the key is to a long and happy relationship/marriage?
Well, many other couples at Springhill have been married much longer.
But after 34 years, I would say some of the key things are carving out time for fun, talking through problems, and staying positives to deal with life's challenges.