On a frigid Montreal night in December 1947, with temperatures plunging to -22°C, a young couple began a journey that would span nearly eight decades. Lillian Kaplan, 20, and Jack Margolis, 21, exchanged vows at the Beth David Synagogue in Outremont, embarking on a partnership that has now reached an incredible 78 years. This Tuesday, the Côte-St-Luc residents will celebrate this monumental anniversary, their eyes still sparkling with mutual adoration.
The Foundation of a Lifelong Partnership
Reflecting on their union, Jack, now 99, and Lillian, 98, point to shared values and deep respect as their cornerstone. "I think we both place the same importance on the marriage," Jack mused. "We don't argue and we avoid friction. My wife happens to be a very kind and generous person—very easy to get along with." For her part, Lillian's feelings have never wavered: "I was really madly in love with Jack. And that was that," she stated simply, adding with a smile, "I still want him to hold my hand when we are in bed together."
Their early marriage meant an early start to family life, a decision they have never regretted. Their three daughters—Diane Fine, Janie Etinson, and Monica Margolis—were born in quick succession, bringing what Jack describes as "a lot of joy and happiness to our lives." This family has since blossomed to include 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, creating a sprawling, close-knit clan centered around the couple.
A Life Built on Music, Dance, and Shared Adventures
The Margolis household was always filled with music and celebration. Jack played the guitar, and their daughters learned various instruments, leading to regular Friday night hootenannies in their basement. The family's shared passion for folk music even took them on road trips to the Newport Folk Festival in the 1960s to see Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. "That would be our summer holiday," recalled daughter Janie.
Lillian and Jack also loved to dance, a hobby they shared exclusively with each other. "We danced well together—and we danced only with each other," Lillian remembered. This tradition continued into their later years, with family members fondly recalling a special dance the couple shared at their youngest grandchild's wedding in 2023.
Their partnership extended into their daily roles. Jack dedicated himself to building a successful women's clothing business, while Lillian found profound fulfillment in homemaking and raising their children. "Lil was happy at home, with no designs on a career: She loved cooking and being with the children," Jack said. "I, on the other hand, put all my efforts into being successful in business. It was a good partnership."
Family as the Enduring Legacy
The couple's commitment to family created an unbreakable bond across generations. Remarkably young when they became grandparents—Jack was 44 and Lillian was 43—they forged deep relationships with their grandchildren, sharing activities like cross-country and downhill skiing in the Laurentians and Eastern Townships. For decades, they hosted Friday night dinners for the entire extended family, with the motto "the more the merrier."
This emphasis on family has left a lasting imprint. One grandchild observed, "Family was always a priority for them. They had great family values and there was very little conflict." The family's devotion is evident today, with most of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren living in Montreal and visiting regularly. A granddaughter and granddaughters-in-law cook and deliver meals for them. The legacy even extends to namesakes: a great-grandson is named Jack, and a great-granddaughter carries Lillian as her middle name.
Now residing in a Côte-St-Luc apartment for nearly 40 years, Lillian and Jack move more slowly but remain engaged with life. They read newspapers daily, dress with care, and enjoy a digital photo frame loaded with 40,000 family images. A caregiver assists on weekdays, but they are continually surrounded by love. A party with family and close friends is planned for early 2026 to properly celebrate their extraordinary milestone—a testament to a simple, powerful recipe where family, partnership, and unwavering commitment always came first.
