Elderly twins leave the world as they entered it: together
Sisters found frozen to death outside home after they both fell
BARRINGTON, R.I. (AP) — Ninety-sevenyear-old twins Jean Young Haley and Martha Young Williams left the world as they entered it: together.
The two women died over the weekend in freezing temperatures after both fell and became stranded outside Haley’s home following an evening out. Police say they believe Williams fell as she walked to her car Friday evening, and Haley fell as she tried to get inside to call for help.
Williams’ daughter, Susan, said Monday that she takes solace in knowing the twins entered and left life together, with one trying to save the other. She said it would have been incredibly hard for either sister to live without the other.
“It’s powerful, it’s astounding, it’s stunning,” she said.
“And regardless of the pain we’re all feeling, at least they’re together.”
A neighbour found the sisters Saturday morning. Overnight temperatures in the area had dropped to as low as - 11 C.
Though twins, the two women had quite different personalities, Susan Williams said. She described her mother as pure and innocent, while her aunt could be more mischievous and humourous. They were both fun-loving and enjoyed dining at local restaurants together, where everybody got to know them.
“The two of them together made a whole, complete person,” she said. “They completed each other.” The night they fell, they had gone out for dinner.
The sisters often frequented Eats Restaurant in Seekonk, Mass., owner George Mihailides recalled Monday.
Mihailides said seeing the sisters always made him smile. He often asked them about the secret to a long life and he thinks their upbeat attitude was key. “They were extraordinary,” he said. “A real class act.”