Lisa Curry and Mark Tabone on surviving grief
An Aussie swimming icon and her partner have been through the worst together – now the couple open up about their relationship.
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Lisa Curry and Mark Tabone have been through the worst together – the death of Lisa’s daughter, Jaimi, in 2020. The couple open up about their relationship, and their love for each other.
Lisa Curry, 61
Profession: Co-owner and founder of wellness business Happy Healthy You
Mark Tabone, 57
Profession: Tribute artist, entertainer
Married: Five years
LISA CURRY
How did you meet?
On a charity walk between Melbourne and Portland. Mark was the entertainment at the halfway mark. I thought he was a nice person. Soft and thoughtful. People on the walk said they saw chemistry between us but there was definitely no chemistry for me until about five months later. Then click.
What was the first thing you noticed?
He was softly spoken, kind, animated, funny.
When did you first know it was love?
When we were vintage shopping on Phillip Island. I mean, what guy loves vintage shopping as much as me?
What was your most standout date?
During Covid it was our wedding anniversary. He told me to stay in the house and be ready at 5pm. He put me into his Cadillac and drove me around our property and he had dinner set up with my favourite snacks, meal, wine, dessert with candles and our wedding playlist playing.
What is the most romantic thing he has ever done for you?
Organised a beautiful yacht, with a guitar player, beautiful dinner and wine and then proposed to me at sunset at Paradise Bay in Malta.
What is the secret to a happy marriage?
Not having his and her jobs. Helping each other without being asked. And communicating gently and precisely.
Who puts the bins out?
We both do. But apparently I don’t stack them properly.
What is the thing you argue the most about?
When he builds or creates something – he cleans up when it’s finished. I clean up as I go so we agree to disagree.
What do you find the most annoying about each other?
He used to drive like he did when he lived in Melbourne – right up close to the car in front. After nine years of anxiety and nagging, he’s finally giving space to the car in front. Phew.
How has having children affected your relationship?
My kids and grandsons, even my ex, all love Mark.
Biggest relationship challenge you’ve been through?
Trying to decide where to live and how that works as we both have different styles and ways of living.
Three things that irritate you about him?
Leaving the toilet seat up (he’s learnt to put it down now), leaving his black briefcase on my white, pink and floral bench. Not washing my car when he makes it dirty.
Three things that you love about him?
He’s thoughtful, will hold me when he knows I’m upset or getting anxious and his sense of humour. Plus he’s a good kisser.
MARK TABONE
How did you meet?
On Jaimi’s birthday in June 25, 2015, on a charity walk.
What was the first thing you noticed?
I knew who she was and had a lot of respect for her. I noticed she made a great salad.
When did you first know it was love?
It wasn’t until months later, we were both single and starting chatting on Messenger and I built up the courage to ask for her number. After a month of daily phone calls, she asked to come to Melbourne to see me and I warned her I wasn’t in the best head space but I fell in love.
What was your most standout date?
I took her to Canada and Malta where I grew up and hired the biggest yacht I could find. At sunset I got down on one knee and popped the question.
What is the most romantic thing she has done for you?
She organised a beautiful romantic honeymoon, business class all the way, six and seven-star hotels in India, Egypt, Malta and Abu Dhabi.
What’s the secret to a happy marriage?
You spend the first year learning about each other and what ticks them off, you have to compromise and communicate, stay romantic, don’t forget to say “I love you”, hold hands and remember to make each other feel important.
Who puts the bins out?
We both do.
What is the thing you argue most about?
Building and decorating, we have the same ideas but can’t explain them the same way.
What do you find the most annoying about her?
She is not tech savvy so I’m constantly repeating myself.
How has having children affected your relationship?
Not a problem, everyone blended and my kids love her.
Biggest relationship challenge?
When we lost Jaimi, I lost my wife and it took two years to get her back.
Three things that irritate you about her?
She can’t sleep, can’t find anything, she can’t relax.
Three things that you love about her?
I love her as a human stripped back from all the medals, she’s affectionate, kind, a very supportive mum and granny.
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