�An “inseparable” Hornchurch couple who were married for 66 years have died 16 days apart.

Basil and Jean Mee, of Ardleigh Green, were described as an “amazing” and “loving” couple by their family.

Mr Mee, 90, had a heart attack at home and was taken to Queen’s Hospital where he died on April 24.

His wife, 88, died on May 10 at Ravenscourt Nursing Home in Hornchurch after pining for him, their family said.

Inseperable

Granddaughter Caroline Ellis said: “They stayed in their own home until my grandfather died and then my grandmother spent just 12 days in a nursing home until she gave up and joined her love.

“She said she wanted to be with him. We were told this happens when one pines for the other and they pass away within days or weeks.”

Mrs Ellis added: “They were inseparable in life and we have the comfort of knowing that they were not separated long after grandad passed away.

“People said they were an amazing couple. They will be hugely missed.”

The couple met when they were teenagers in the 1930s. They were engaged in 1940 before Basil was called up in the Second World War.

He served in Canada and France and after the war resumed work as a joiner.

Mrs Mee went to the Royal School of Needlework in South Kensington.

They were featured in the Romford Recorder on the couple’s 60th wedding anniversary,

Mr Mee said at the time: “We have had a wonderful life together. She was a beautiful girl when I met her and she still is today.”

Mrs Mee said: “We have always been honest with each other and trusted each other and, of course, still love each other.”

The couple leave behind two daughters, five grandchildren and one great-grandson.