COVID-19 Impacts Final Wishes

COVID-19 Impacts Final Wishes

Covid-19 has canceled plans -- for each and everyone of us.

But what if those plans -- were made years ago -- with no chance for a do-over.

That was the reality -- for one tri- state woman--- forced to make an unexpected-- last minute decision ---when her husband passed away - during the pandemic.

And while it wasn't from the virus -- the health crisis -- still found a way to complicate things.

44-news reporter megan diventi -- shares the couples story.

"all the comments i got back after his death were all 'i wasn't sure when i went in, but he was my all time favorite teacher."

Carol rogers of newburgh is talking about the memories--- family--friends-- and the community left after her husbands passing in may--- 94 year old robert rogers-- was a world war two veteran--an avid history buff--and a longtime teacher... "i believe it was like 54 or 56 years that he taught here in evansville.

Bosse was his last school that he retired from."

56 years of marriage too---a life full of love and adventure--- but after the death of their daughter nearly a decade ago--a discussion.

Robert making his own plans then-- to donate his body to science.

Paperwork was ready to go to i- u's medical school... until this year when covid-19 struck.... "when we knew his death was imminent, i had someone call to make sure everything was in order and had all the papers filled out as they should be, when they called they found the whole program had been suspended."

"what do we do next?

And when i had mentioned that to the hospice worker thats when she put the little stick note with a telephone number and said you might want to call this number."

That call--for organ and tissue donation... while his physical remains wouldn't go to medical school to educate future physicians and scientists---- robert's donated tissue could help other people..as many as 75 strangers in need.

The pandemic taking alot away from this family----but*not take away roberts lasting legacy--of helping others.... "that for us, my son david and me, that was very comforting knowing that someone else could benefit reporting in warrick county, md, 44news.

- we turn now -- to storm