Eileen and Henry Lavery, from Orken Lane in Aghalee, passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by loved ones this week.
Eileen (née Hannon) died on Monday aged 90.
Her husband died the following day at the age of 88.
A joint funeral will take place at St Patrick’s Church in Aghagallonon on Saturday.
The funeral cortege will leave the couple’s home at 9.30am before a Requiem Mass takes place at 10am.
The pair, who were married for decades, have been remembered as devoted parents, grandparents and pillars of their local community.
A funeral notice said they are “deeply missed by their sons Aidan, Gerard, Andrew and Barry, daughters-in-law Rosemary, Martina, Patrina and Jeanie, and their grandchildren Ryan, Niall, Ciaran, Cormac, Coilin, Owen, Ronan, Laura and Clodagh.”
It added: “Eileen and Henry will be lovingly remembered and very sadly missed by all the family. May they rest in peace.”
Eileen and Henry Lavery
News Catch Up – Tuesday 28 October
Tributes to the couple were paid on social media, with one person writing that it was “really sad news that they passed hours apart”, while another described it as “a true everlasting love and bond”.
Others said it was “so very hard for the family, but take comfort that they are at eternal rest together”.
One person paid tribute to Eileen describing her as “the sweetest lady with the biggest heart and a pleasure to nurse… the love she had for her family was unmeasurable”.
Another social media user wrote: “So sad, but so very sweet also — it’s how I’d want to go, not living a day more than the love of my life so I didn’t have to miss them.”
Eileen is predeceased by her brother Josie and sister Phyllis, and is lovingly remembered by her surviving siblings Betty, Angela, Bernie, Teresa, Eamon and Seamus.
Henry is predeceased by his brothers Willie-John, Patrick, Peter and Malachy, and his sisters Mary, Cecilia and Sarah.
Family and friends will be welcomed to the couple’s home from 6.30pm on Thursday and from 1.30pm on Friday.
Donations have been requested for Marie Curie in lieu of flowers.
A death notice said Eileen and Henry will be “lovingly remembered and very sadly missed by all the family”.
“May they rest in peace,” it added.
“St Martin pray for us.”
A grieving friend recalled memories of the couple and their well kept garden as they passed on condolences to their four sons.
“So sorry to hear the awful news about your mummy and daddy,” they wrote online.
“Aidan, Gerard, Andrew, Barry and families, my thoughts are with you all.
“Fond memories of them growing up as neighbours. Eileen always had the roses and garden to perfection and Henry was never without wee Rocko.”
One of Eileen’s carers also offered her “deepest sympathies” to the family and said “it was my upmost pleasure” looking after her.
The couple will be laid to rest alongside each other in the adjoining cemetery at St Patrick’s Church following the funeral service on Saturday.