If anything will convince you of the power of love, it’s the story of Jeanette and Alexander Toczko. They met when they were just children, but each knew the other was “the one.” According to family lore, they were already dating when they were just eight years old, and Alexander carried a photo of Jeanette in her Holy Communion outfit in his wallet.
They really did live happily ever after, marrying in 1940 and raising a family together. As their daughter, Aimee Toczko-Cushman described them, “Their hearts beat as one from as long as I can remember.”
In the early 1970s, the Toczkos moved to San Diego, where Alexander developed a passion for golf. In fact, it was common to see him sitting in a living room chair holding a putter and saying, “Okay, I’m ready to go.” He played on a daily basis until a hip fracture put an end to his golfing days. Unfortunately, his overall health soon went into a steep decline.
As her father’s condition worsened, Aimee recalled that her parents “wanted to go in their own bed holding hands and in each other’s arms.” Hospice staff brought a bed for Alexander to the Toczko home and set it up next to Jeanette’s. June 29, 2015, was to be their 75 wedding anniversary, and as the day approached, Jeanette kept asking her kids what date it was.
On the 29th, it was clear that Alexander was about to pass away, so the family left the couple to spend their final moments together. When Aimee confirmed to her mother that Alexander had died, Jeanette hugged her husband and said, “See this is what you wanted. You died in my arms, and I love you. I love you. Wait for me. I’ll be there soon.”
True to her word, Jeanette passed away the next day. Aimee was sad to lose her parents, but at least she could say, “They both entered the pearly gates holding hands.” Is this not the ultimate love story?
