An elderly couple from Wisconsin who shared 73 years together also shared their final moments together as they fought COVID-19, according to their granddaughter, Natalie Lameka.
Natalie spoke to TMJ4 News, about her grandparents, Mary and Wilford Kepler, and revealed that they passed away only six hours apart in a hospital in Wauwatosa, Milwaukee.
She said it’s unknown how they got infected with the coronavirus. According to her, the two were kept side by side in the hospital room and they had been holding hands throughout their stay.
“It was just heartbreaking to hear, but also heartwarming to hear. And we’re just so thankful that they were together and that they were aware that they were together,” Natalie said. “They were able to say, ‘I love you.'”
The family felt comfortable with the fact that the lovely couple was kept together.
Unfortunately, however, they were unable to visit them in the hospital, Natalie told TMJ4.
Most COVID-19 patients who are admitted to hospitals do not have the opportunity to be with their loved ones when they die due to the virus being highly contagious.
Some people have even reported saying their farewells through FaceTime or by phone.
Natalie said that she and her brother were the last family members to see the couple in person before they passed away, while other relatives had to say their goodbyes via FaceTime.
She said she felt at peace knowing that they spent their last moments together.
“Losing them sucks,” Natalie told TMJ4. “The way that they went out is something that we are going to remember forever.”
For TMJ4 News’ report on the story please see the video below.
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