Melody Teh
Retirement Life

Man reveals “Neighbour Norma” has died after asking her to live with him

A US man, who asked his dying elderly neighbour to live with him, has announced that “Neighbour Norma” has sadly passed away.

Last month, we reported actor Chris Salvatore, 31, had invited his 89-year-old neighbour Norma Cook to live with him after doctors told Norma she could no longer live by herself as she needed 24-hour care.

Norma suffered from leukaemia and other health problems when she moved in with Chris. The pair had been neighbours for years, with both considering each other family.

Doctors told Chris that it would be a “miracle if [Norma] lived past the holidays” but with Chris’s companionship Norma lived well past the holiday season – and enjoyed every moment of it.

Chris wrote on Instagram on Wednesday: “It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that earlier this morning the world lost a truly inspiring, beautiful woman. Norma is now resting peacefully in the eternal and while she may no longer physically be with us, her spirit will continue to fill the hearts of so many people.”

He told TODAY in an email, "She taught me to love so much deeper than I ever could imagine possible. She opened the hearts of so many people during a time when it was desperately needed. She was a truly powerful woman who had the ability to bring people together who may not have crossed paths otherwise."

“I feel her watching over me and it is a happy feeling," he added. "She is out of pain and in peace, probably drinking a glass of champagne, dancing, reunited with the many friends that she's had throughout her life. I am forever a changed man and I thank this magnificent lady for everything she has taught me."

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retirement life, News, elderly, neighbour