The love story of a New Zealand couple, married 67 years, came to a bittersweet ending Tuesday when the pair died just two hours apart.
Joan Nees, 92, and Hugh Nees, 94, had been in declining health the past few months, according to Stuff.co.nz and were living in a senior care facility at the time of their death. Hugh was battling cancer and Joan had recently suffered a stroke.
The pair were surrounded by loved ones Tuesday when Hugh passed away first around 10 in the morning with his wife passing just a little over two hours later.
"They said they wanted to die together, and I didn't expect it to really happen. It was just perfect for them," their daughter, Joy Reid, told Stuff.
The couple met in the 1940s and were rarely apart. Hugh worked as a minister and Joan was also heavily involved in the church. They enjoyed gardening, golf and staying close with their children and grandchildren.
"Their departure, it’s sad but happy," their son, Robert Nees told The New Zealand Herald. "Life wasn’t easy for the last little while and that’s over, [so] that’s all good."
The couple are survived by five children, 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. A service will be held for the couple on June 30.
May they rest in peace.
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