News & Events

10/2/2008
University Village Residents Celebrate Diamond Anniversary

Ray and Irma Ziff Appear on the Jay Leno, Yakov Smirnoff Shows

THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF. - Irma and Ray Ziff, residents of University Village in Thousand Oaks, celebrated their 75th anniversary earlier this year at the continuing care retirement community. The Ziffs renewed their wedding vows during a ceremony in front of hundreds of fellow residents. Retired Judge Robert Schouweiler, also a resident of the community, conducted the ceremony, while another resident, Peggy Perry, wrote the marriage vows for the Ziffs.

Following their diamond celebration, Ray, 95, and Irma, 92, were invited to appear on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." The Ziffs related stories of their 75 years together, including their courtship, running the Westward Ho supermarket business in the Los Angeles area, raising a family, and, most especially, the secrets to a successful marriage.

Their words of advice? "Never, never, never go to bed angry at each othe...always kiss and make up," says Irma. She adds, "Talk to your partner as you would have them talk to you. Sometimes you might snap at your partner, not even meaning it. Don't be too proud to say I'm sorry."

The Ziffs were so entertaining on the show that they caught the attention of comedian Yakov Smirnoff, who asked them to be his guests on a pilot television talk show about love and laughter. The Ziffs recently flew to Smirnoff's Branson, Mo., theater where the program was taped before a live audience.

Back home again at University Village, the popular couple has returned to their active schedule at the community. An accomplished chef and author of her own low-fat, low-sodium cookbook, Irma loves to cook and play the organ. The Ziffs also enjoy spending time with friends and family and playing with their dog, Gigi.

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