Her life was claimed in our waters – just one day after many celebrated the Christmas holiday. The University of Guam, elected leaders, and her family are now mourning the loss Dr. Margaret Hattori-Uchima, dean of the University of Guam's School of Health. 

Her daughter Marijana Uchima held back tears as she recalled the final moments with her mom.

"She was really great," Uchima shared. "She was amazing for the community, but also like as my mom, she was amazing."

It's a heartbreaking time for the family.

"In the morning she asked, 'Oh, I’m going to go out paddle boarding, do you want to come?' And I said no," Uchima said. "Then I made sure she had her life jacket because she is not a strong swimmer. So she always wears a life jacket. It didn’t help."

Hattori-Uchima was swept out over the reef midday Monday when she lost her life jacket. Guam Fire Department units pulled her from the rough waters before rushing her to Naval Hospital in Agana Heights.

Her daughter said they made it in time to say their goodbyes.

"My mom was one of the most dedicated people that I’ve ever met," Uchima said. "She was really hard working and she was so passionate about helping the community."

Her brother, attorney Stephen Hattori, shared that his sister was a hero and a public servant. And her sister Mary, wrote, "Margaret was the best problem solver of us all."

Hattori-Uchima was also the 2019 Guam Nursing Association Nurse of the Year and marked a first in the history books for Guam with her induction into the American Academy of Nursing’s 2020 Class of Fellows.

She also served with the Guam Homeless Coalition helping those in need and was honored as a KUAM COVID Hero for her dedication and service during the pandemic.

She said this past March, speaking with KUAM News during UOG's Charter Month celebration, "I encourage anybody that has an interst in the what we call the helping professions to really consider it."

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio offered their condolences, calling her a giant among giants in the nursing community. Speaker Therese Terlaje also shared on behalf of the 36th Guam Legislature that Dr. Hattori-Uchima was in a category of exceptional women of Guam.

"Just the memory of her smiling and laughing whenever we would go out, even at outreach and we’d would be hot and sweaty, but she’d still be laughing and talking to everyone and be super social and positive," she recalled.

A positive light that was focused on improving the quality of life for many more she came across. 

Masses are being held nightly at Our Lady of Peace and Safe Journey Catholic Church in Chalan Pago.