Couple of 60 years die within hours of each other
A California couple married for more than 60 years but parted by illness have died within hours of each others after their family reunited them for the final time.
Don and Maxine Simpson met, married and lived in Bakersfield.
They did everything together. They travelled the world, were involved in local clubs and adopted two children.
Granddaughter Melissa Sloan told local news station Kero Bakersfield of the couple's extraordinary story.
Don was hospitalised about two weeks ago after falling and breaking his hip.
His health deteriorated and at the same time the cancer that Maxine had been battling become more agressive.
Melissa told Kero News: "I told my sister on the phone, we goe one shot to get them together."
The family moved Don and Maxine into a spare bedroom in the family home.
“Gram woke up and saw him, and held hands and they knew that they were next to each other,” Melissa said.
“I knew in my heart this is what’s supposed to happen. Grandma and grandpa are supposed to be together and grandma and grandpa are going to die together."
Maxine died first but Melissa told Kero News Don stopped breathing as soon as her body left the room, and he died a few hours later.
