In life as in death — elderly couple die hand in hand

Don and Maxine Simpson, who were married for more than 60 years, died while holding each other’s hand.

A US couple married for more than 60 years, but parted by illness, have died within hours of each other while still holding hands, after their family reunited them for the final time.

Don and Maxine Simpson met, married and lived in Bakersfield, in California.

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 aggressive.

Melissa told Kero News: “I told my sister on the phone, ‘we got one shot to get them together’.”

The family moved Don and Maxine into a spare bedroom in the family home. “We kept them together, and had their beds side-by-side,” Sloan said.

“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.

“They left this world together,” said Sloan.