Husband, 98, dies of broken heart a month after burying wife of 65 years
John McGettigan’s family claimed he could not stand being apart from his life-long sweetheart Bridget.
Co Donegal man John, who was 98, was buried yesterday after a touching ceremony.
John’s wife Bridget, 90, passed away on January 3 and her husband passed away exactly one month later last Monday.
The loving couple’s granddaughter Rachel McGettigan said the pair could just not stay apart.
“After being married for 65 years, a month apart was too long for them.
“Grandad just wasn’t the same since she passed. He missed her so much.
“We are truly heartbroken but can find peace in knowing they both passed peacefully and are now together again,” she said.
Rachel added: “They were a very much loved couple. Thousands of people have visited his wake.”
John and Bridget were from Meenreagh in Termon, also known as “The Foot of the Hills”.
The loving couple had five sons and five daughters, 20 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
The couple first met when Bridget was just 14 and walked by John who was working in a field.
John’s friends laughed at him when he remarked that Bridget would be a fine looking woman and one day he would marry her.
John went away to work in Scotland for some years but he was introduced to Bridget again by her brother John at a dance and they began dating.
At yesterday’s Mass, a Celtic jersey, signed by many former Hoops players, was offered as a gift in memory of Celtic fan John.
His old pipe and favourite puzzle book were also offered as gifts.
Well-known fiddler Matt McGranaghan played at the Mass and at the graveyard, as was John’s wish, while singer Jose O’Donnell sang John’s favourite song The Hills of Meenreagh.
“It was a lovely funeral and although we are very sad that granddad has gone, we could not have hoped for a more beautiful funeral.
“We know he’s happy being back with granny now,” added Rachel.
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