logo

WWII sweethearts die hours apart after 70 years together

author
Jun 28, 2018
09:17 A.M.

Lovers Isabelle Whitney and Preble Staver, both of whom served the United States during World War II, died within hours of each other in October 2017.

Advertisement

According to Inspiring, The couple met each other during a blind date in Philadelphia. But they both put their love story on hold to serve the Allies during the war.

Whitney served as a nurse in the Navy stationed in Maryland, while Staver served as a Marine, who also earned a Bronze Star for his services during the tenure.

They were reunited five months after the conclusion of the war and got married on February 15, 1946. They were together in a joyous relationship for over 70 long years thereafter.

Advertisement

62-year-old Laurie Staver Clinton, one of the couple's five children, told People that their parents were "great people," before further sharing the life lessons that they had imparted upon her.

She explained that Whitney taught her that you cannot change another person, but you can change your own attitude toward them.

Laurie also said that her father was the stricter one among the two. "Mom tried to be strict, but we knew what we could get away with her. It was pretty much a father rules the roost sort of thing,” she further told the online source.

Advertisement

In 1975, the couple suffered the worst possible tragedy when their son, Peter, died while playing football during the last game of his senior year of high school. However, the couple stuck through all the ups and downs that life threw at them.

“They really enjoyed each other’s company. It was just fun to see them, and they made a nice little life for themselves,” Laurie further revealed.

Advertisement

Then in 2013, Whitney started showing signs of dementia and she had to be moved into a long-term care facility in Norfolk. But even when her dementia worsened, she never forgot what Staver meant to her.

“Sometimes we’d have to tell her to focus and look,” Laurie told, “but when she looked and knew it was dad, she’d get that little smile.”

Only 14 hours after Whitney's demise on October 25, Staver passed away. The family held a joint funeral for the couple at a church cemetery in Virginia Beach.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Ellen Pompeo & Her Husband Went from Friends to Dating after She ‘Looked Different’ to Him One Night

February 07, 2022

Rich Old Man Dresses up as a Pauper to Check on His Five-Star Hotel Staff – Story of the Day

February 15, 2022

At Husband’s Funeral, Woman Notices Note Sticking Out of His Pocket, Quietly Pulls It Out – Story of the Day

February 18, 2022

On Her First Day in New School Girl Enters Classroom and Meets Her Carbon Copy – Story of the Day

January 31, 2022

Couple Married for 63 Years Dies Holding Hands a Few Hours Apart, Taking Their Love to Eternity

February 04, 2022

Man Can't Become a Dad for Years, Refuses to Adopt until He Sees the Kid from His Childhood Vision

April 22, 2022

Harry Revealed Pregnant Meghan Wanted to End Her Life ⁠— She Lived So He Would Not Lose Another Loved One

April 19, 2022

Twins Send Dad to Nursing Home, Learn He Left Inheritance to Janitor Who Is Their Carbon Copy – Story of the Day

February 13, 2022

Inside Ina Garten's Decision to Not Have Kids with Husband of 53 Years Whom She Met at 15

March 20, 2022

After 56 Years of Marriage, Old Woman Finds a Farewell Letter from Her Husband – Story of the Day

February 11, 2022

Poor Girl Sells Family Heirloom for Grandma’s Operation, Sees It on Her Doorstep Days Later — Story of the Day

February 22, 2022

Wanting to Be a Lifeguard Like Late Dad, Boy Saves Drowning Girl & Gets a Box from Her Mom Later — Story of the Day

March 29, 2022

Richard Gere Promised 3rd Wife 'At Least 20 Good Years' Together When He Married Her at 68

May 11, 2022

Old Man Sees Homeless Lady and Recognizes Nurse Who Stayed by His Bedside for 27 Months Years Ago — Story of the Day

February 25, 2022