Kiwifruit couple married for 52 years dies after only hours

Paul Worsley could not bear to be separated from his wife.

So much so that after spending the vast majority of their lives together, the 75-year-old died just 16 hours after the love of his life.

Delma Worsley, 76, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 21 as a result of a complication after surgery.

Granddaughter Alexandra Paley said Paul was “devastated” after Delma’s passing, but grateful that she came before him.

“I was very happy that she was first because I couldn’t bear to be alone so that was how I preferred it to unfold.”

The following day, the grieving widower was back by his wife’s side after suffering a fatal heart attack.

Despite losing the couple in such a short time, Paley said her family takes comfort in the fact that they are together again.

“We all feel at peace with the way [Paul] they left, now they are together. It was very difficult, but we can cry together and we are happy that they are together now because they were together all their lives. “

The couple met as children at school in England.

Although it’s unclear exactly when they started dating, Paley told the Herald that they were “high school sweethearts.”

They were married in England in 1968 before moving to New Zealand for the lifestyle: their honeymoon was the boat trip.

Once they got here, they had their first child, a son who was born in Matamata, and would go on to have another child.

The couple and their children settled in Te Aroha, Waikato and had lived in the small town for more than 50 years.

Paley described her grandparents as quite “entertainers”, very sociable people and very involved in the Te Aroha community.

“We would go to his house and he would cook us a four-course meal.”

Delma was very involved in her local Anglican church and enjoyed knitting and sewing.

Paul was a “kiwi at heart”, a farmer who loved nature and was part of groups of native tree planting and bush walks.

The couple traveled the world because Paul traveled extensively through his work.

The couple will be cremated in coffins made by their family.

A poem by Paley when he was 11 years old will be written on both coffins.

Delma’s coffin will be covered with drawings of daffodils and a cross, while Paul’s coffin will be covered with drawings of native trees and plants.

Due to meeting restrictions, the couple will be dismissed in a small ceremony for close family and friends next week.

However, once the restrictions are lifted, the family plans to hold a memorial service for everyone to attend.

Paley said her grandfather would always say the best thing that ever happened to him was marrying Delma.

“They were meant to be together.”