Dr. Hattori-Uchima passed away on December 26, 2022.

As a registered nurse for 35 years, a faculty member at UOG since August 2001, and the Dean of the Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health since 2014, Dr. Hattori-Uchima exemplified what it means to be a Triton and displayed true leadership in her service.

She has been an advocate for improving the quality of health care in Guam and the rest of the Micronesia region and has provided leadership in the study and alleviation of health disparities. She also served for more than a decade with the Guam Homeless Coalition.

“We are heartbroken by this overwhelming loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Margaret’s family, loved ones, and her colleagues at the Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health and across our University,” UOG President Thomas W. Krise said. “A bright light of our community has gone dark, and we are devastated to lose such a vibrant spirit way before her time. Her dedication, compassion, kindness, and understanding will inspire us all forevermore.”

Senior Vice President and Provost Anita Borja Enriquez also remembers Dr. Hattori-Uchima for her various impacts beyond the UOG Community.

“We are devastated by the passing of Dean Margaret. She was a champion for supporting disadvantaged and underserved populations and for advancing the nursing profession and health care on island and throughout the region. She will be dearly missed. Our deepest condolences and love to her family,” Dr. Enriquez said.

Funeral on Jan. 14; canned food items for homeless in lieu of flowers

Mass of Special Intentions for Dr. Hattori-Uchima is being offered at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30, and at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31, at Our Lady of Peace and Safe Journey Catholic Church in Chalan Pago. 

Virtual Rosaries will be said at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11, and at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12. A link will be provided at a later date. 

Finakpo’ Mass and Rosary will be held at 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 13 at Our Lady of Peace and Safe Journey Catholic Church in Chalan Pago. 

To honor Dr. Margaret’s memory, and all her efforts to support the unsheltered community, canned food donations will be accepted in lieu of flowers following the finakpo’ rosary. The canned foods will be given to the Guam Homeless Coalition for distribution. 

Last respects will be held from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, and the funeral Mass will follow at 12 p.m. at Our Lady of Peace and Safe Journey Catholic Church in Chalan Pago. 

Dr. Margaret’s family kindly requests that those attending in person wear a mask. As Dr. Margaret would say, “Mask up, people,” according to a memo from Dr. Enriquez.

"Please join me in offering our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Uchima-Hattori family and their loved ones during this difficult time," Dr. Enriquez added in the message to the UOG community. 

Service to the community

Dr. Hattori-Uchima worked for years conducting community outreach including helping to ensure Guam residents living without adequate shelter receive health care during the pandemic.

She also served a key role in getting UOG’s senior nursing students involved in the island’s COVID-19 response.

On Nov. 1, 2022, she was inducted into the American Academy of Nursing’s 2020 Class of Fellows based on her contributions toward advancing health care and the public’s health.

Also in 2022, she received the Public Citizen Award from the National Association of Social Workers Guam Chapter.

Under her leadership at the Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health, UOG’s passing rate for the National Council Licensure Examination for nurses achieved a pass rate of nearly 100% to 100% in recent years.

Dr. Hattori-Uchima was awarded the 2019 Guam Nurses Association Nurse of the Year Award.

She was named Supervisor of the Year at the 2021 Triton Awards Program.

She was also recognized by KUAM as a 2021 COVID Hero and by the Guam Army National Guard for her contributions to Operation Liberate Guam.

She earned associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in nursing from the University of Hawaii, a master’s in nursing from the University of Phoenix, and a doctorate in nursing from Villanova University.

Guam Homeless Coalition donations

The Guam Homeless Coalition has set up a PayPal donation page to accept donations for those who want to honor the late Dr. Margaret Hattori-Uchima's advocacy for services to the homeless. Canned foods will also be received in lieu of flowers for distribution to the homeless.

To make a donation, please click on the link below:

PayPal Donations