Yuet Ming Lau Chan
Brigham and Women’s Hospital mourns the loss of Yuet Ming Lau Chan, an inventory coordinator in Materials Management, who died on Dec. 10. She was 55.
Ms. Lau Chan joined the Brigham in 2008 and quickly established herself as an invaluable member of the Materials Management team. Colleagues remembered the immense care and attention she afforded her work — demonstrating an unwavering commitment to patients and colleagues.
“She cared deeply, put everything she had into her work and took care of her floors like a protective mother,” said her manager, Damon Wallace.
Wallace recalled how Ms. Lau Chan inspired others in the department to follow the standard of excellence she exemplified, a lesson he learned firsthand upon meeting her in 2009.
“I soon came to know Ming as a force to be reckoned with, and she was very much a stickler for details and getting things right. I listened to Ming and learned her process, which was good training because she handled things the right way,” he said. “You knew you couldn’t let certain standards slide because Ming wouldn’t do that, so not wanting to let Ming down became synonymous with not letting the patients and staff down. I always appreciated that, as it helped me know the job better and Ming better as a person. She had a big heart.”
As an inventory coordinator, Ms. Lau Chan oversaw supply needs for multiple inpatient floors and the Emergency Department for most of her career. In 2020, she shifted her responsibilities to support Materials Management’s STAT Room, an on-campus storeroom for backup supplies. As the hospital experienced a series of supply shortages during the pandemic, the importance of Ms. Lau Chan’s contributions grew tremendously, said Kenneth Shelton, area manager for Central Supply and Linen Services.
“Basically, she created a job we didn’t know we needed,” Shelton said.
In addition to her strong work ethic, Ms. Lau Chan was a beloved friend and colleague whose kindness touched the hearts of many.
“Ming is and always will be a great person — willing to help anyone, at any time,” said Roy Boone, materials handler. “She was the best of our department. No one will ever measure up to her.”
Ms. Lau Chan is survived by her husband, Sair; her daughter and son-in-law, Eva and Deivid Mauricio; her sons, Stanley Chan and Kevin Chan; her daughter-in-law, Madelyn Ma; three grandchildren; five sisters and many other loved ones.