June and Hubert Malicote, both 100 years old, spent most of their adult lives together. They married 79 years ago, when they were only 21, and weathered life’s ups and downs together until the very end. They raised children together, were happy grandparents and even great-grandparents, and had a wonderful life full of joy and love. Sadly, they died only hours apart from one another at the end of last month.
- June Malicote became ill after Thanksgiving, and Hubert followed. After hosting a Thanksgiving pizza party for her family, June got very sick. Her family placed her in a hospice so she could receive end of life care, but the move was too much for Hubert, and he “broke down,” their 76-year-old son, Sam, told the Dayton Daily News.
- Hubert couldn’t bear to see June in such a state. Sam said that his dad struggled once June went into hospice. Knowing that she wouldn’t come back took a serious toll on his health. “He fell apart, really,” Sam said. Hubert was then put into the same hospice room as June so that they could be together through their final days.
- Both Hubert and June were unconscious together until they died. They remained holding hands until Hubert died at 9:15 p.m. on November 30. Soon after, June passed away at 5:40 p.m. on December 1. Sam believes his father ultimately died of a broken heart, knowing that his mother was experiencing her last moments.
- Sam is sorry to see his parents go, but he also feels a sense of peace. “I feel sad, but I shouldn’t,” Sam said. “Who can expect to live a life like that? They lived a long, happy life together and they were devoted to God and the family.” Now June and Herbert Malicote can be together forevermore, just as they would have wanted it.
