TWIN 90-YEAR-OLD SISTERS DIE HOURS APART ON CHRISTMAS DAY

GRANITE CITY, Ill. --

Two Illinois women came into the world together more than 90 years ago. They left it two hours apart, according to KPLR in St. Louis.

Martha Dixon and her sister, Mary Dickson, both 90 years old, died on Christmas Day. They lived together at their home in in Metro East before their death; Mary first, then Martha.

"They had a bond like no other," said granddaughter Amy DeConcini. "They fought like sisters, but, yet, loved each other like sisters."

Martha and Mary were married to twin brothers, one of whom changed the spelling of his last name so that he could re-enlist in the military.

Mary died at home while the song 'Santa Baby' was playing. There was a significance. 

"When my dad passed away, she never really talked about him, but she kept asking me, 'Have you found me a man yet?' said Diana Hargis, Mary's daughter. "And I told her two weeks ago, I said, 'Mom, if you're really good, maybe Santa will bring you one for Christmas. And he did. He took her home to my dad."

According to the family, the twins' passing on the Christmas Day sends a powerful message -- they started their story together and wanted to end it together, too. 

"For twins to go out on the same day, two hours apart, it's like one had to take the steps to pass and help then other one get through that," said DeConcini. "It's been hard trying to get through the holidays. However, this was the Christmas miracle that our family needed for it to happen together."