Couple weds after chance meeting at cardiac rehab

Patients come to Cardiac Rehab at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington to rebuild their heart muscle, literally. One couple found that Cardiac Rehab can also exercise their figurative heart muscles, too.
Ray Merriam, of Bennington, had a heart attack in 2010. He recovered with help of Cardiac Rehab, and has been coming to the phase 3 maintenance portion of the program since 2011. He had never been married.
Mary Jones, of Hoosick Falls, had a heart attack in 2005. She completed cardiac rehabilitation as a part of her recovery, as well. After a regular appointment with her cardiologist, Dr. Scott Rogge, she was inspired to resume the phase 3 part of the program in April 2015. She had been widowed for 30 years.
“I noticed her right away,” Merriam said. “But it took me a couple months to talk to her. I am kind of shy. In February, I asked her out.”
The couple fell in love. Their wedding was Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Hoosick Falls. A reception was held at the Mount Anthony Country Club. Patricia Ryan, RN, director of the Cardiac Rehabilitation program commented, “It couldn’t happen to nicer people. We are all just so happy for them.”

Submitted Photo
Mary Jones and Ray Merriam met at SVMC  while recovering together, fell in love and wed Saturday, Aug. 20.