OLD COUPLE'S END.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20307, 15 July 1929, Page 12

OLD COUPLE'S END.

DIED ALMOST TOGETHER.

SAD CASE AT DEVONPORT.

WIFE BLIND FOR THREE YEARS

A pathetic case of an elderly couple dying within 48 hours of each other has occurred at Dcvcnport. Mrs. Elizabeth Rvan. aged 72, who had resided for many years at 30. Hastings Parade, Devonport, died on Friday after a protracted illness, and the death of her husband, Mr. George Ryan, occurred yesterday at the age of 74. Thcv had been married for 49 years.

Neighbours, who were greatly attached to the couple, had for long regarded their failing health with deep concern. Mr. Ryan, who was a retired gardener, had suffered considerably from heart trouble, but devoted all his time to nursing his wife, who had been blind for three years. During the past month the old people hail been confined to their beds, and both sank gradually together. Mrs. Rv.m was buried on Saturday at O'Neill's Point Cemetery, and her husband will be buried in the same grave to-day. Mrs. Ryan was born at Hackney, London, and the marriage took placo when she was 23 and her husband was 25. They came to New Zealand about 40 years ago, and had lived in Devonport during the last 20 years. The only living relative in New Zealand is a niece, who resides at St. Jlcliers Bay.