In a heartwarming display of love and devotion, a British couple who had been married for over 70 years passed away within four minutes of each other. Wilf Russell, aged 93, had been battling dementia, which unfortunately led to him no longer recognizing his wife.
Wilf peacefully took his last breath at 6:50 am at the Magna Care Home in Wigston, Leicestershire, where he had been residing. Meanwhile, Vera, 91, had become ill since her husband’s memory loss and was admitted to a nearby hospital. Tragically, without any knowledge of her beloved husband’s passing, Vera was pronounced dead merely four minutes later at Leicester Royal Infirmary.
Their granddaughter, Stephanie Welch, shared their poignant story with the Leicester Mercury. She explained that Wilf had been diagnosed with dementia a year ago and had recently moved into the care home due to his condition. During a visit, Vera discovered that Wilf no longer recognized her, which deeply affected her own health.
Stephanie recounted her last encounter with Vera at Leicester Royal Infirmary, where Vera briefly opened her eyes and inquired about Wilf’s whereabouts. Their final exchange consisted of Vera saying, “We’re a right pair, aren’t we?” Stephanie believes that Vera was waiting for Wilf to pass away, and upon his death, Vera’s health rapidly declined.
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Wilf and Vera’s love story began when Wilf was 18 and Vera was 16. They got engaged before Wilf served in North Africa and Italy with the Royal Air Force during World War II. After his return, they married, and Wilf worked as an engineer in the West Midlands.
A decade ago, Wilf and Vera moved to Oadby to be closer to their son, Peter Russell, Stephanie’s father, and his family in Leicestershire. Together, they raised three sons and created a tight-knit family. Wilf and Vera leave behind two sons, five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Stephanie fondly remembers them as a loving couple who cherished their family dearly.
“They shared a deep connection and were inseparable throughout their entire marriage until Wilf’s condition necessitated his move to the care home,” Stephanie shared.
This heartwarming tale is a testament to the profound bond that Wilf and Vera shared, and their simultaneous passing serves as a powerful reminder of their unbreakable love.
Read another amazing story: This couple, ages 104 and 103 are celebrating their 82nd Anniversary.
