After being married for 56 years, retirees Jake and Betsy Roak, who lived at Hill at Whitemarsh in Lafayette Hill, died within two days of each other, writes Bonnie L. Cook for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The pair enjoyed the holidays, celebrating with their large family over the weekend. However, the tragedy struck the following Monday, when 82-year-old Jake lay down for a nap at the pair’s home and never woke up.

When his 77-year-old wife found him dead, she suffered a stroke. She was rushed to Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience in Philadelphia where she died two days later.

Rev. Canon Albert J. Ogle, interim rector at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, said the pair died as they lived, together.

“They lived their lives fully, inspired in the service of others, and shared their love of family, country, and church with all of us,” wrote Ogle in the church bulletin. “We are the better for it, and we will miss them as they step out together on their next adventure.”

The pair will be buried together at Gloria Dei Church in Philadelphia.

Read more about the Roaks at The Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.

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