Identical twin sisters Thelma Barrett and Alma Harris, both aged 104, have defied the odds of time, celebrating over a century of life together. Born in August 1919 in Stockport, England, their lives have mirrored each other’s in remarkable synchrony.
Now residing in a care facility, the sisters reflect on a lifetime filled with shared experiences. At 19, they witnessed the outbreak of World War II, bearing witness to three royal family coronations and 22 national prime ministers throughout their years.
According to a feature by Mirror UK, their journey through life has been marked by resilience and camaraderie. Thelma began working part-time at the age of fourteen, while Alma left her job at twenty-one upon marriage, just three months apart from her sister.
Asked about the secret to their remarkable longevity, Thelma revealed their nightly ritual: a glass of brandy. “Who would have imagined we would live to this age?” she muses, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a youthful mindset. Alma concurs, adding that thinking of oneself as young helps to stay young.
Their marriages, too, followed similar paths. Alma was married to Bill Hewitt, while Thelma’s spouse was Joseph Barrett. During the war, Joseph was compelled to work in an aircraft factory, while Bill served in the military. Despite the challenges, the sisters found solace in each other’s company, relying on their twin bond for support.
The loss of Alma’s first husband shortly after the war and Thelma’s husband’s internment in Italy further strengthened their reliance on each other. According to the sisters, their twin connection has been their greatest blessing, providing them with unwavering companionship throughout life’s ups and downs.
Now in their twilight years, the sisters continue to enjoy each other’s company, often venturing out at night and indulging in Alma’s love for shopping. Their story serves as a testament to the power of resilience, camaraderie, and a nightly glass of brandy in defying the passage of time.