During marriage, couples say these words as part of their vows: "Til death do us part." A 95-year-old man and a 96-year-old woman married for 75 years fulfilled this vow when they died in each other's arms.
Jeanette Toczko and her husband, Alexander Toczko, had known each other since they were only eight years old.
The childhood sweethearts got married in 1940, when Alexander was serving the US Navy as a telegraph operator.
Being devout Catholics helped the couple form a stronger bond. In fact, Alexander always carried around a photograph of Jeanette during her First Communion.
In 1971, Alexander and Jeanette settled down in San Diego, California, where they established their own advertising and fashion photography company.
In California, their family grew, as they were blessed with five children. They were also eventually gifted with 10 grandchildren.
"Their hearts beat as one from as long as I can remember," said Aimee Toczko-Cushman, one of the couple's five children, about her parents.
Just this June, the couple celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary.
Several weeks ago, however, Alexander became bed-ridden after he suffered a broken hip due to a bad fall. His health rapidly deteriorated.
"He was going fast," their son, Richard, recalled.
Jeanette's health also began to decline, but never left her husband's side throughout this ordeal. They still shared the same room and stayed close to each other during their final moments.
At this point, the couple always told their children that they wished to die "in their own bed, holding hands, in each other's arms."
On June 17, Alexander breathed his last. When Jeanette was informed about her husband's death, she continued to profess her love for him.
"I told my mother he was gone," Aimee recalled. "She hugged him and she 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'."
Hours later, Jeanette also died, clutching her husband's hand.
"They both entered the pearly gates holding hands," their son, Richard, said.
