DENVER — The pair began life on the same day. They ended it 83 years later. Again, on the same day.
Identical twins Helen Mae Cook and Clara Mae Mitchel passed away within 12 hours of one another Tuesday.
Ever since they were born Feb. 2, 1932, in Fort Lupton, Colo., the sisters shared a special bond, family members said.
“They were born prematurely and weren’t expected to make it,” said Marsha Gerber, Helen’s daughter. “They always had an incredible connection. I think it began there.”
It’s that strong connection that their family believes kept them close for 83 years, until their final day on earth.
Around 4:30 Tuesday morning, Clara passed away from a heart attack at a hospital in Littleton. Later that evening, Helen died after a six-year struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Gerber said the timing of their deaths could not be a coincidence.
“God brought them into this world together, and they were taken at the same time,” said Gerber. “It's how they would have wanted it. Helen met Clara in heaven.”
RELATED:
Read or Share this story: http://usat.ly/1RJf66B
Find out more by searching for it!