End of a true love story - Married couple of 67 years pass away five days apart - The Redditch Standard

End of a true love story - Married couple of 67 years pass away five days apart

Redditch Editorial 15th Feb, 2019   0

A TRUE love story came to an end last month after a married couple of 67 years died just five days apart.

Before their passing, Redditch residents Gerald, aged 92, and Margaret Doughty, aged 87, were being treated at separate hospitals for various medical conditions.

It meant the usually inseparable pair, who enjoyed travelling everywhere together, were unable to celebrate their 67th wedding anniversary on January 5.

But they were able to wave to one another on Facetime after the couple’s quick-thinking children Hilary Nunn, Wendy Hocking and Paul Doughty used their phones to allow them to communicate.




“We also delivered anniversary cards to their bedside with their own personal, sweet messages inside,” said Hilary.

“Unfortunately neither one of our parents got out of hospital – dad passed away five days after our mum on January 20.


“We believe it was because he had a broken heart, he couldn’t go on without her.”

It was love at first sight for Gerald and Margaret when they met on a night of dancing in Birmingham, where they both lived.

On their second date Margaret was an hour late but Gerald stayed regardless, because, as he told his four children, ‘she was worth the wait’.

The couple married the following year and later went on to have two boys, two girls, five grandchildren and eventually five great grandchildren.

“My dad was in the Royal Navy when he was younger,” said Wendy, “He then worked at the Rover Group for 33 years until his retirement.

“My mum, who was an excellent cook, gave up her job at the post office to look after the family full-time.”

The couple relocated to Church Hill before moving again for a final time to a bungalow in Crabbs Cross.

“We held a lovely service for them at St Peter’s Church, Crabbs Cross,” said Hilary.

“We would like to thank everyone who came including Father Michael who carried out the beautiful service.

“The family are still in shock at the loss of both their parents in such a short space of time but are comforted to know they are together.

“Together in life and together in death. We will love you forever mum and dad.”

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