Let me tell you the story of Norma Matthews and Edith Antonecchi, centenarian twins who have gone through every stage of life together. Imagine two sisters, born in Revere, Massachusetts, USA, who have never left each other’s side since their birth.
Norma always said that people were delighted to see them together. “We did everything together since the day we were born,” she said. It’s fascinating to think that at every moment of their lives, they have been there for each other.
Norma recounts: “Edy was always there for me, and I was always there for her. Whenever I got sick, Edy somehow knew. She would call or rush over to make sure I was okay.”
After high school, Edy became a nurse while Norma became a hairstylist. Three months later, they both got married and lived near each other for 51 years.
Norma married Charles Matthews on Valentine’s Day in 1943, and Edy married Leo “Chick” Antonecchi three months after her sister’s wedding. Even in their marriages, they never strayed far from each other.
Life brought its share of trials. Norma and Charles lost a daughter at the age of 2, and Edy lost a son four years ago. Leo died in a car accident in 1994, followed by Charles, who had Alzheimer’s disease.
Their husbands both passed away within a few months of each other, but the sisters found the strength to continue together.
After these losses, Norma and Edy decided to move together to Florida. They now live in a mobile home park, going to church, grocery shopping, and attending senior events with the help of their kind friends and neighbors.
The sisters say they share a special twin bond. Edy could sense if Norma was sick, and often, when Norma thought about calling her sister, the phone would ring and Edy would be on the other end.
Their bond is so strong that for their 100th birthday in December 2021, about 50 people came to St. Petersburg to celebrate them.
Finally, Norma summarizes their relationship: “We couldn’t be one without the other.” Edy adds: “We came together, and we will leave together.” Norma concludes: “I would do anything for Edy. She is everything to me.”