It is with deep sadness that the Hamabata family announces the passing of Hanako Nadine Hamabata, at the age of 85 on July 24, 2025.  Hanako is survived by her son, Shaun McKague and daughter, Charlene (Joseph) Palate, sisters Happy Smith, Louise (Jim) Harrison, brothers Duane Kenneth and Lindsay (Cindy) Hamabata.  She is also survived by brothers-in-law, David Major and Joe Prins, 18 neices and nephews and eight grand-neices and nephews in Canada and numerous cousins in Okinawa.

Hanako was predeceased by her parents, Kamasuke and Chiduka Hamabata, grand-parents, Giichi and Usuban Hamabata and Toshitaro and Chiya Tanaka, sisters LaVerne Hisako Hamabata and Cheryl Taeko Prins.

Hanako was graduated from the Galt School of Nursing and maintained her association with the 1961 graduation class throughout her life.  She had a long and varied career in nursing.  She was a nurse at the Inuvik General Hospital in the 1960’s and was the matron of the Coaldale Hospital for many years.   She earned the degree of Bachelor of Nursing at the U of L in 1996 and later ended her career with the Bigelow Fowler Clinic West.

Hanako was instrumental in maintaining strong ties with the Hamabata family in Uruma City and  Henza Island in Okinawa.  Her father was born and grew up on Henza Island.  The letters she and Seiji Hamabata exchanged spanned a period of more than 40 years and helped preserve our links with the Hamabata and Shinzato families in Okinawa that are still strong today.

Hanako enjoyed ball-room dancing and entered several ballroom dance competitions.  She was also an artist whose talents emerged in later years when she retired and spent more time at the Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre.

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors on the fourth floor of the Chinook Regional Hospital for their compassionate care of Hanako as she struggled with multiple health issues.  Wwe express our appreciation to Rev. Roland Ikuta, M.D. for his compassionate guidance through this difficult time.

Koden are gratefully declined.  If one wishes, donations can be made in memory of Hanako Nadine Hamabata to the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 10:30am at THE BUDDHIST TEMPLE OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA (470 40 St S, Lethbridge).

Click here for the link for the livestream.