Norma Matthews and Edith Antonecchi were two sisters who shared a century-long unbreakable friendship in addition to sharing a birthday in the little town of Revere, Massachusetts. Their narrative is a touching tale of love and cooperation, full of highs and lows, happiness and sadness, but most importantly, an enduring sisterhood that has withstood the test of time.
Norma and Edy were inseparable from the moment of their birth.
They went through every stage of life together, their bond so deep that even while they were separated by great distances, they could still sense each other’s feelings. Though life wasn’t always easy for the sisters growing up in a poor home with a single mom, they enjoyed each other’s company.
They took different careers after high school, Edy went on to become a caring nurse, while Norma followed her dream of becoming a talented hairstylist. They stayed close despite having different occupations and were married a few months apart. They lived close to each other for an incredible 51 years, making sure their residences were never far from one another.
Their unions brought them both joy and sorrow.
After welcoming three children, Norma and Charles Matthews experienced sadness when their cherished daughter passed away at the young age of two. Although Edy and Leo “Chick” Antonecchi loved spending time with their two sons, they suffered a terrible loss four years ago.The sisters also lost two of their husbands: Charles, who passed away from Alzheimer’s disease, soon after Leo, who died in a vehicle accident in 1994.
Norma and Edy felt they couldn’t be apart in the face of hardship. They bravely decided to go to Florida and begin a new chapter in their life. Arriving to a friendly mobile home park and surrounded by neighbors and friends who were always willing to offer assistance, they embraced their new neighborhood.
Both of them had distinct personalities that came through
Norma, who was gregarious and could light up any room, and Edy, who was more quiet. Their neighbors warmly recall how their presence made everyone around them happy and comfortable. The remarkable twin bond between them was truly remarkable. Edy was able to tell when Norma wasn’t feeling well, and oddly, whenever Norma considered phoning her sister, Edy would pick up the phone.
The town gathered for a lavish celebration of their 100th birthday in December 2021. A group of about fifty people flew into St. Petersburg to celebrate this amazing achievement. They rose to fame in their neighborhood and were loved by everyone who knew them. Norma has an unending passion for Edy. “I’d do anything for Edy,” she said. “She’s my everything.”
Their experience is proof of the strength of sisterhood, love, and the unbreakable link between twins.
Norma and Edy serve as a constant reminder to us all of the value of family and the strength that comes from spending a lifetime together through their shared joys, tragedies, and memorable experiences. Their narrative serves as an inspiration, imploring us to treasure and protect the people we love because it is only through love that we can truly discover happiness along life’s journey.
Thus, the timeless tale of Norma Matthews and Edith Antonecchi—which spans generations—continues to unfold, imparting to us the priceless lessons of love, resiliency, and the enduring enchantment of sisterhood.
