This unusual story centers on Douglas Ishii, a neuroscientist professor. Wendy, 78, from Colorado, was married to Douglas for 35 years. The couple divorced in 2017.

In 2018, Douglas married Bo, 72, and they lived together in Washington. Even with his new family, the professor personally managed all finances and taxes for both his former wife and his new wife.

His sudden passing in 4/2025 created a complex problem. He owned an estate comprising 6 rental properties, all registered in Wendy's name, but left no will.

Illustration: *People*

Initially "not fond of each other", Wendy and Bo were compelled to meet at Drake Johnson's law office to discuss dividing the inheritance. However, instead of contesting, Wendy proactively suggested splitting the assets equally with Bo, despite the lawyer confirming she had no legal obligation to do so.

"It was the right thing to do. I knew it was what Douglas would have wanted", Wendy said.

While carrying out the asset division, lawyer Johnson joked, "Financially, you two are practically married. It would be easier if you... actually got married." The two women looked at each other and asked themselves, "Why not?"

On 4/1, an unprecedented wedding took place in Wendy's living room. Officiated by lawyer Johnson himself, the two widows exchanged vows to support each other in friendship, kinship, and to navigate life's sorrows together.

On their significant day, both women concealed a small vial of Douglas's ashes in their bras. They believed their late husband was smiling, witnessing the two most important women in his life now sharing a common path.

"Our common ground is Doug", Wendy shared. For Bo, who was once seen as "the other woman", this marriage represented salvation.

"Who could understand my life better than Wendy? We share a special bond because we both loved an amazing man", she added.

By Nhat Minh (via People/The Denver Gazette)