Ron and Irene, a couple married for 70 years, chose to undergo voluntary assisted dying (VAD) together in New South Wales. Irene, suffering from a degenerative spinal condition and blindness, decided it was time, and Ron chose not to live without her. Their decision, made after navigating strict VAD eligibility requirements, allowed them to die peacefully and with dignity surrounded by family.
When they chose to die together, my grandparents wrote the final chapter of a love story spanning 70 years
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️
Ron and Irene, a couple married for 70 years, chose to undergo voluntary assisted dying (VAD) together in New South Wales. Irene, suffering from a degenerative spinal condition and blindness, decided it was time, and Ron chose not to live without her. Their decision, made after navigating strict VAD eligibility requirements, allowed them to die peacefully and with dignity surrounded by family.
Trending- 1 1950s: Ron and Irene met in South Hurstville and married.
- 2 1960s: Moved family to Port Macquarie.
- 3 1990s: Bought hobby farm in Unumgar.
- 4 At least 10 years ago: Irene first expressed desire to 'go her own way.'
- 5 2021: NSW legalized voluntary assisted dying.
- 6 April 2025: Irene decided it was time due to dysphagia.
- 7 A few months prior to their death: 70th wedding anniversary.
- 8 Three weeks prior to their death: Decision to proceed with VAD.
- 9 Day of death (June 7, 2025): Ron and Irene died together via VAD in Port Macquarie.
- Peaceful and dignified death for the couple
- Emotional impact on family
- Highlights the complexities and personal nature of VAD
What: A couple, Ron and Irene, married for 70 years, chose to die together through voluntary assisted dying (VAD).
When: Final moments in 2025 (three weeks after decision to proceed); 70th wedding anniversary a few months prior.
Where: Port Macquarie, Unumgar (past residence), South Hurstville (where they met), Sydney (where children were born), Perth, Katherine (past travels), New South Wales, Australia.
Why: Irene's severe degenerative spinal condition and blindness led her to decide she was 'done.' Ron chose not to live without her, reflecting their deep, seven-decade-long love story. They wanted to avoid prolonged suffering and die on their own terms.
How: They navigated the strict VAD eligibility requirements in NSW, including multiple requests and assessments. They chose medical assistance for the procedure, surrounded by family, in a peaceful setting.