Wife died of broken heart moments after watching husband of 70 years succumb to cancer
A stricken wife watched her husband of 70 years die, said ‘I’m not gonna let him go alone’, then died of a broken heart moments later. Kathleen Atkins, 86, crawled into bed to embrace husband Brian, 90, as he succumbed to lung cancer on August 4, then died herself shortly afterwards.
The couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary at their home in Crewe, Virginia, on July 22, shortly after Raymond left hospital having vowed to be home to mark the big day with his soulmate.
Recalling what happened after Brian took his last breath, their grieving son Les Atkins said: ‘Then, within a matter of minutes, my sister called back and said my mom had crawled in the bed with him and was overcome with grief.’
The couple were being cared for by one of their four children, Les’s sister, who said Kathleen made good on her promise just minutes later.
He told WRAL: ‘They did not want to go alone. They had endured this life together. They had this strong faith, and they just refused to be apart.’
Les and his family have been left stricken by their sudden double-loss, but say knowing neither parent had to continue without the other has brought them immense comfort.
He said: ‘It’s a fairy tale in every sense of the word.’ The Atkins, who also leave behind six grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren, will now be laid to rest side by side.
An online obituary for the couple said ‘(The Atkins’) spent their lives transporting people to their destinations as the owners of Atkins Taxi, reached their final one August 4, 2020, as they both entered the Kingdom of Heaven.
‘They died within minutes of one another. The couple was married 70 years, and represents the most perfect story of love.’
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