Come to work with a bequeathal coordinator

McMaster University’s Faculty of Health Sciences is powered by nearly 1,500 staff members. In the series “Come to work with,” we’re profiling staff across the faculty and the critical work they do.

Maureen Letang is a bequeathal coordinator with McMaster University’s Education Program in Anatomy. We spoke with Letang about how she helps families navigate the body donation process, the gift of teaching and her unique function at the university.

What is your role as a bequeathal coordinator?

As a bequeathal coordinator, I oversee the delicate process of body donations to the anatomy lab, ensuring that those who gave in life continue to teach in death.

My role is unique. I can confidently say my position is very niche.  I am like a funeral director for the university, handling the screening and intake to final disposition once a donor has completed teaching, explaining every step of the donation process while addressing any concerns families may have along the way.

Sometimes it’s people calling to inquire about the process of donating their body because they’re planning their will. Other times it is someone who found out that they have a debilitating illness, or they have a loved one who is imminent or actively dying and they’re trying to learn more.

Can you explain the gift these donors give towards teaching?

The whole process is very altruistic. The common denominator with all donors is pragmatism. Typically, they were very giving while they were living and want to continue giving once they pass.

Many of the important conversations I have with families happen mere steps from the main anatomy lab. It’s here that learners experience the direct benefits of these last gifts of altruism.

The generosity of each donor is at the heart of the educational programs. Through body donations, learners are able to study and touch the human body, getting an unmatched learning experience.

We’re immensely grateful every time someone decides to dedicate their body to further the education of McMaster learners.

Part of your work involves celebrating and honouring donors. What does that typically involve?

Every year we hold a service of gratitude where we invite members of the McMaster community and the families of donors. We host the Hamilton Police Pipe Band to the McMaster campus.  Faculty, staff and students speak and express their gratitude.  At the end of the service, families get to release a dove to honour their loved ones.

The service is very cathartic. When they release a dove and they’re smiling with tears in their eyes – you can’t put a price on the value of that.

I’ve been lucky to have organized the service for nearly a decade.

Is there an aspect of your work that stays with you the most?

It has to be the stories families share with me. I remember having a conversation with a gentleman who was married to his wife for nearly 50 years.

He said to me, “She’s everywhere and she’s nowhere.” It was so profound for me because that’s what death is. You’re constantly reminded of how you wish they were still there, but they’re not.

These imparted nuggets of wisdom really make me appreciate the positives in life.

It is extremely rewarding and fulfilling to be able to help others during a difficult time.