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Childhood Sweethearts Die Holding Hands After 75 Years Of Marriage

by Eitan Levine
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Jeanette and Alexander Toczko were married in 1940 and passed away holding each other's hands 75 years later.

Born to Polish immigrants in 1919, both “Al” and “Jay” grew up in Stamford, Connecticut. The childhood sweethearts reportedly "fell in love" when they were just 8 years old.

The couple got married, and Alexander went off to serve in the US Navy as a telegraph operator during World War II.

After he returned home to his already growing family with Jeanette, Al pursued a career in advertising and art direction, which led him to take jobs during the “Mad Men” era of advertising on Madison Avenue.

The couple eventually had five children and moved out west to San Diego.

A few weeks ago, before the couple's 75th anniversary, Alexander fell and suffered a broken hip, leaving him unable to leave his bed.

At that same time, Jeanette's health started to get worse.

A hospice company rolled Alexander's bed next to Jeanette's bed so he could be with his wife “in their own bed, holding hands, in each other's arms” when they eventually passed -- just like they said they always wanted to do, according to Daily Mail.

On June 17, Alexander's final wish was granted; he died in Jeanette's arms.

The couple's daughter Aimee Toczko-Cushman told 10 News when she informed Jeanette of his passing, Jeanette hugged her husband and said,

See, this is what you wanted. You died in my arms and I love you. I love you, wait for me, I'll be there soon.

Around 24 hours later, Jeanette passed away.

The scene, which is eerily reminiscent of how “The Notebook” ended, was undeniably powerful.

Aimee said,

Even the hospice nurse said it was the most incredible thing to see the two of them taking those last breaths together.

The couple was buried on June 27 during a joint funeral and celebration of their 75th wedding anniversary.

Citations: The reallife Notebook couple Husband and wife who were married for 75 years die hours apart holding hands in bed after she whispered wait for me Ill be there soon (Daily Mail)