A group of nurses who graduated together 60 years ago say they’re blessed to have such a long-lasting friendship.

Members of the General Hospital’s Class of ’61 got together Friday on the same date they received their diplomas, October 22.

They’ve made a point of marking the anniversary almost every year since their grad, but the 17 who celebrated together on Friday agree that the 60th was something special.

Theresa Rose Porter says their bond over the years has made them like family.

She says they communicate all the time, no matter where they happen to be in Canada or other parts of the world. She added they’re like sisters, and if something happens to one, everybody feels it.

The retired nurses, now all in their 80s, say they keep in touch mainly through email, and a Facebook group they created for themselves.