"Soulmates" Arthur and Paddy Hoffman, who died within two days of each other last month, met during World War II and married in 1946. Photo / Supplied
"Soulmates" Arthur and Paddy Hoffman, who died within two days of each other last month, met during World War II and married in 1946. Photo / Supplied
After 69 years of marriage, romantic couple pass away within two days of each other.
When Arthur Hoffman passed away in his sleep, his beloved wife of 69 years couldn't bear it.
Two days later, Paddy Hoffman also slipped away.
"They were soulmates. It's all very romantic, together in life, together in death, and together right to the end," their grandson Jason Hoffman said yesterday as he cleared their Orewa home, full of mementoes from a long and happy life.
New Zealand Air Force pilot Aaron Arthur Hoffman met a young Irish nurse during World War II.
They were admitted to Northhaven Hospital at Whangaparaoa where they were put into adjoining beds.
On April 28, Mr Hoffman, 95, died peacefully in his sleep.
Heartbroken, 90-year-old Mrs Hoffman passed away two days later.
"She was very much aware that my grandfather had passed away and without him ... she just wanted to be with him," said 29-year-old Jason, who with two sisters arrived in New Zealand from London this week.
Arthur and Paddy Hoffman retired to picturesque Orewa on the Hibiscus Coast. Photo / Jason Dorday
They have been clearing their "intelligent and stoic" grandparents' house and making funeral arrangements.
Jason said he always looked up to his grandparents Downunder.
But going through their old photographs and letters, he's been struck at just how respected and well-liked in the community they were.
He also finds their long and happy marriage inspirational.
"Finding your soulmate, being true to yourself and that person, and living your life to the fullest ... They have really set a standard for the rest of us to try and achieve."
A joint funeral service is being held at Silverdale and Districts RSA at 10am on Tuesday.
