Elderly couple die within minutes of each other

An English couple, married for more than 70 years, died minutes apart despite their living in different areas due to health.

Wilf Russell, 93, passed away at 6:50 a.m. local time Wednesday.

His bride of 71 years, Vera Russell, 91, was pronounced dead at 6:54 a.m.

Their granddaughter told the Leicester Mercury that Wilf Russell was living at a personal care home after being diagnosed with dementia last year.

Vera went to visit her husband recently and he didn't recognize her. Family told the paper that her health started going downhill.

She was recently admitted to a local hospital. The last thing she said to her granddaughter was asking where her beloved husband was, adding, “We’re a right pair, aren’t we?”

She died without being told her husband had passed minutes before, The Mercury reported.

Their granddaughter said they never were apart until Wilf had to move into a nursing home.

They are survived by two sons, five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

A joint funeral is being planned for the couple.

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