The Paperwork

Mom called the university to discuss the documentation needs for the donation of Lyn's body.  Mom explained the situation (intellectual disability and early on-set Alzheimer's) and asked what documentation would be needed to donate Lyn's body without Lyn's signature.  Lyn would not understand the concept of donating her body when she passes and would find the concept very upsetting.  We don't want to upset her and don't feel it is necessary to discuss the decision with her.  She's never been comfortable with the topic of death and feels such discussions to be "inappropriated."

Mom spoke with a university staff member who let Mom know that with the Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney and the court documentation making Mom Lyn's legal guardian she could sign the body donation paperwork without Lyn's involvement.  It would need to be notarized.  The university will hold their copy of the documentation until such time as it is needed.

Mom went to the bank to use the services of the notary there.  He ended up being very uncomfortable with the situation.  He wanted to know why Mom was signing the paper meant for Lyn.  Mom explained she had already cleared it with the university and had the necessary court documents at hand.  She pointed to the number at the bottom of the document and invited him to call the university to confirm.  She reminded him that the obligation of the notary is to confirm that the person who signed was who they claimed to be.  The notary is not to pass judgment or allow their feelings to intervene in their ability to confirm a person's identity for the document being signed.  The notary was not happy but eventually did notarize the donation documents.