A DEVOTED retired college lecturer killed herself two days after her wife died following an illness, an inquest heard.

Coroner John Gittins at Llandudno said 72-year-old Jacqueline Phillips, of Llysfaen, Colwyn Bay, “simply couldn’t live without her soul partner.”

He said the tragedy “speaks volumes about the love these two had for each other.”

Mr Gittins said Mrs Phillips, “devastated” at her wife’s death in a hospice, decided to end her own life at her home in Ffordd y Llan on December 10. “The reason is the loss of the love of her life,” the coroner remarked. She’d taken a toxic level of medication.

The inquest heard Mrs Phillips and Jennifer Gardiner had known each other since they were teenagers and lived together more than 40 years. Both were distraught when Mrs Gardiner’s cancer was diagnosed.

Mrs Phillips was found slumped on a floor by a worried neighbour.

Mr Gittins recorded a conclusion of suicide.