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Christie Evans and her mother, Norma Kjelstrom, made a pact in the 1970s to donate their bodies to the University of Utah for medical study.

Their decision became an inside joke for the mother-daughter duo, Evans said.

"We prayed we'd both live long and become old ladies," she said Friday. "So instead of donating our bodies for parts and organs, we figured they'd only want us for medical research since we were going to live so long."

Kjelstrom died Dec. 7 at age 90 — holding up her end of the deal. Evans, 71, clutched a portrait of her mother Friday morning during the U.'s memorial service honoring the 241 individuals who donated their bodies to science and education during the past year.

Nearly 200 people gathered at the annual Body Donor Grace Site at Salt Lake City Cemetery to commemorate this year's donors and share stories of their lives with fellow donor families and friends.

Since 1998, the U. has hosted the memorial service the Friday before Memorial Day as a way to not only pay tribute to the donors but also give families and friends closure they may not have had as a result of their donation.

The ceremony is centered on appreciation for the donations as well as the importance of what they make possible.

Not only do they help shape the future of medicine and health, said Kerry Don Peterson, director of the Body Donor Program at the U., but donors also show students the importance of hands-on education and the value of human life.

"I've been at this almost 20 years and there is no frickin' way I can tell you all the things your family members do to advance medical education and science," Peterson told attendees during the service. "The gift is tremendously important."

Dani Golomb, a first-year U. medical student, echoed that sentiment as she spoke about her body donor, Dallas.

She described her apprehension toward touching the cadaver in her anatomy course, fear that gave way to gratitude as the class progressed. She greeted him at the start of every class and explained the procedures she'd perform each class. Golomb said she'd never forget holding his heart in her hands, after it had worked hard for 82 years — with scars to prove it.

"I hope you all find comfort and resolution in knowing the gift they gave was treasured," Golomb said. "It enriched us and taught us even more about what it means to be human beings."

Family and friends, in turn, offered stories of loved ones who became body donors. They were scrapbookers, bowling champions, musicians and loving parents and grandparents.

Kjelstrom was a spitfire, Evans said, and one never knew what crazy thing she'd say next.

"This gives me a place to come to talk with her and feel close to her again," Evans said. "I'm so proud of her and when I'm ready, I'll be here, too."

Twitter: @kelgiffo