DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. — COVID-19 continues to take a toll — but for one Lombard family, they were able to find some peace amid the pandemic.

David Zorn, 89, and Sondra Zorn, 83, contracted COVID-19 at around the same time. Thanks to doctors, nurses, and patient relations specialist Johnny Gillespie, David and Sondra were able to be in the same room—despite hospital restrictions due to the pandemic.

“This was a situation, we had to make an exemption for this, because the stories that Deanna told, with the gravity of the situation,” Gillespie said.

Advocate nurse Erin Stafford put David and Sondra’s hospital beds together.

“We don’t know exactly what happens when a person is nearing the end of their life, what they can hear or be aware of,” Stafford said. “But I think they were both very aware that they were together and that they could feel each other holding each other’s hands.”

Shortly after being united in the hospital, Sondra passed away. David died just a couple of days later.

The Zorns left behind 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

They were foster parents and raised five children who were grateful their parents could spend their final moments together.

“I thank them very much to be able to have that last time with my parents and just be able just saying goodbye,” family said.

The hospital did allow the Zorn’s children to come visit the couple during their final days.