Ernie Taylor, 55, and Jeanne Howell, 50, won $12 million in the March 14 6/49 draw.

ORILLIA, Ont. — A southern Ontario couple have retired early after winning $12 million from Lotto 6/49.

“I couldn't believe it,” Jeanne Howell, of Orillia, said on Monday. “We're speechless.”

Ernie Taylor, 55, and Howell, 50, won in the March 14 draw.

The instant millionaires have paid off their mortgage and Taylor has bought a new vehicle. Their big win has allowed the pair to retire.

Taylor has worked for Casino Rama for the past seven years in environmental services. Howell has retired from KFC, where she has worked for two years.

Howell purchased the winning quick pick ticket at Mac's in Orillia.

She checked her ticket online on Thursday morning.

Howell plays Lotto 6/49 on a regular basis and always chooses quick pick.

Six months ago the couple won $109.

The couple now plans on doing “as little as possible.”

sara.ross@sunmedia.ca