Together forever - Mourners say final goodbyes to Sunderland couple who died of covid within hours of each other

John Smith, 78, and his wife Elizabeth Ann, known as Ann, 77, of Hylton Lane Estate, both died in Sunderland Royal Hospital late last month due to the virus, with their passing just 29 hours apart.

Today, Friday, October 16, their family and friends – capped at 30 due to the ongoing restrictions – gathered for their funeral service at St Mary and St Peter's Church in Springwell Road.

To allow others to join in a show of respect, people were invited to line the street where the couple lived to clap in a show of love for the couple, with the family requesting men put on their suits and women wear bright colours, especially pink.

Led by Reverend Katherine Bagnall, the service was followed by interment at Bishopwearmouth Cemetary, with a small gathering later held at the Hastings Hill pub.

Floral tributes included several which read: “Together forever” with one adding: “You will be missed and are loved dearly.”

The childhood sweethearts, who had been together since they were 15, were parents to Michael, Wendi and Joanne. were in-laws to Carl and Michelle and were also adored by their grandchildren Lewis and Rihanna, while Ann was a sister to June and Doreen.

As their children paid tribute to them ahead of their funeral, Wendi said: “They couldn’t live without each other.

"Even death couldn’t part them, that’s the comfort we have got. Mum never wanted to be on her own.

"We are just all devastated. If we can raise awareness and even save one family this hurt.

"A lot of people think because we’re not in lockdown Covid-19 is gone. It’s worse.”

John worked in the merchant navy while Ann was a stay at home mum and also worked shifts as a school dinner lady.

Their family sent their tanks to the hospital for the care they gave the couple in their final days.

The funeral, which was organised by Tony Clarke Funeral Directors, was attended by the Echo at the request of their relatives.

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