
From Ortisei in Trentino Alto-Adige, Italy, comes the touching story of a couple, married for 64 years, who died of natural causes just an hour away from each other.
Christian and Maria Runggaldie, born in 1935 and 1936 respectively, were inseparable and not even death could keep them apart.
After their marriage in 1960, the couple had five children, fourteen grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
Every morning, the residents of Ortisei would see them walking together through the streets and enjoying their traditional coffee at the bar.
Despite several illnesses due to age, the two lived a quiet life. Until last December, when their health condition rapidly deteriorated.
On December 17, just before midnight, Christian and Maria shook hands for the last time.
At dawn, the 89-year-old passed away peacefully in the presence of his children, followed just an hour later by his beloved 88-year-old wife.