In the heart of Barrington, Rhode Island, the love story of Joe and Maria Silveira has flourished for over 67 years. It’s a story intertwining deep devotion, hard work, and a legacy leaving an enduring mark on their community. From a young girl in the front row, hoping the boy on stage singing ‘For Me and My Gal’ was singing to her, to lifelong partners, Maria’s journey with Joe is a testament to the strength and beauty of true love.

Their connection began when they were just eight years old, a bond that grew quietly over the years. After Joe returned from serving in the Air Force during the Korean War, he and Maria married. Together, they built a life and a business that became a community cornerstone. In 1956, Joe and his father started Sowams Nursery, a wholesale nursery that specialized in landscape materials. Joe propagated all his own material and specialized in a variety of White and Pink Kousa Dogwood trees, with many of his originals standing beautifully along his property on Sowams Road. For nearly six decades, Joe and Maria nurtured this business alongside their two sons, with their four daughters joining in during the summers. While the hard work was felt by all, the laughter shared, the joy of working together, and the simple, soul-nourishing benefits of being close to the earth deepened both their family bonds and the strength of their marriage.

Even after the nursery closed in 2015, Joe’s passion for plants never faded. Now 95, he still cares for his beloved Bird of Paradise and Fig Trees, selling them at a roadside stand near their home.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Joe and Maria’s story is how their legacy continues to thrive in Barrington. The trees and plants they sold grace the yards of homes throughout the town. Each plant is a symbol of the love and care Joe and Maria poured into their business and their community.

Their love story is also one of adventure. Together, they traveled the world, visiting places like Machu Picchu, China, Africa, and Portugal. These journeys brought them closer, each new experience strengthening their bond and enriching their shared life.

For Joe and Maria, love has always been more than just romance—“It works because no matter what LIFE pours or sprinkles on us – we tackle the situation as one," says Joe. "We realize how brief our time on this earth really is, and so we chose to keep peace," says Maria. "And most importantly, we CHOOSE to love each other every day!" says Joe.

Maria is known as the best listener, a rare skill. Listening without love is just noise, but with love, it’s true understanding. Maria has always listened with love, to her husband and everyone she meets.

Joe’s love and loyalty to his wife, especially in their later years, is priceless! Waking up and going through the motions of living without love is suffering. Joe’s "labor of love" is keeping his bride of 67 years youthful, smiling, safe, and loved.

As they continue to walk through life hand in hand, Joe and Maria’s love remains as strong as ever. It’s a love that has grown through time, weathered every storm, and flourished in the light of mutual respect and devotion. The plants they nurtured now stand tall in Barrington’s yards, just as their love does in the hearts of all who know them.

When we visited Joe and Maria, their generosity extended beyond their stories. We were sent away with a fig tree, a bird of paradise flower, a basket of figs, and bellies full of figs—yet another testament to the love and care they pour into everything they do.