Jmore offers its annual “Love Issue,” profiling four couples who embody the power of love.
Who says it’s ever too late to find love? Just ask Rosalie Raim, 91, and Maurice “Maysh” Fried, 94, who started dating three years ago. A widower and retired businessman who became a later-in-life artist, Maysh grew up in West Baltimore’s Easterwood Park neighborhood and now lives in Pikesville. He has three children, eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Rosalie, an East Baltimore native who lives in Park Heights, worked in high-end retail for many years. A mother of three, Rosalie — who divorced her first husband and lost her second husband in 2006 — has two grandchildren, six step-grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
How did you meet?
Rosalie: Jeannette Grebow, Maysh’s cousin, insisted I meet him. I was uncomfortable calling him, and her reply was always, ‘He’s perfect for you. What have you got to lose?’ I took a chance and called. We met for breakfast at the Essen Room.
The conversation flowed. I mentioned that I purchased my baby furniture from him in 1950.
I wasn’t sure how to react to hearing, ‘You’re so pretty,’ more than a few times. He called me later that day, inviting me to dinner, saying he never had two dates the same day with the same lady!
Was there an immediate attraction?
Rosalie: There was an instant reaction on his part. With me — well, he drives at night.
What do you like about each other?
Maysh: Rosalie is smart, clever and witty. She can handle any situation with tact and diplomacy. I think she’s always the prettiest and best dressed in any crowd. She’s got a great sense of style. She’s a very savvy shopper and loves to write poetry.
Rosalie: Maysh is a great listener, a happy person, always upbeat. Very kind and respectful — he has a great sense of adventure — always willing to try new things.
He’s a funny man and makes me laugh. He has the ability to take any situation and run with it.
He’s unstoppable and most definitely doesn’t sweat the small stuff.
What makes this relationship work?
Maysh: Rosalie knows how to find fun and humor in most everything. She’s got a great sense of the ridiculous and loves to laugh. She has a glass half-full attitude and believes things happen for a reason. I admire her tenacity and perseverance.
Rosalie: We basically enjoy the same things — dinners alone and with friends and family. Enjoying a show, playing cards and watching Netflix (if we can figure it out).
When you meet someone later in life and there’s chemistry and compatibility, that’s a gift! We are blessed and appreciative to be the recipient of both. We consider ourselves young at 91 and 94.
What do you tease each other about and what do you clash on?
Rosalie: We clash on food shopping. Maysh is a convenience shopper, no matter the cost. I’m the conservative one, always looking for the best buy. I attribute that to growing up during the Depression.
He always teases that I’m too good for him and someone else is going to get me.
What’s the secret to a successful relationship?
Rosalie: Make time for each other. Be respectful and have the willingness to please one another. Don’t take each other for granted. Be a good listener and let each other know how much you care.
This is the second in a four-part series. See Also: Talia and Aaron Jordan
Pikesville residents Talia and Aaron Jordan met in college and have been married for four-and-a half years. Jmore talked with the pair about their love story.