Uwana Apabio

Uwana Apabio, lovingly known to family and friends as Madelyn Hanchett, passed away unexpectedly on May 17, 2026, in Adelanto, California, at the age of 71. Her sudden passing has left her family heartbroken and deeply saddened.

"You never said I'm leaving, you never said goodbye.

You were gone before we knew it, and only God knew why.

A million times we needed you, a million times we cried.

If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died.

In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still.

In our hearts you hold a place that no one could ever fill.

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn't go alone.

For part of us went with you the day God took you home."

Madelyn was born on October 26, 1954, to Anderson Hanchett Sr. and Thelma (Berry) Hanchett in Port Arthur, Texas. She graduated from Lincoln High School as a member of the Class of 1973. Following high school, she attended Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas, where she initially studied nursing. After two years, she changed her major to education and earned her Bachelor's Degree in 1979.

In 1986, Madelyn and her husband relocated to California with their young family. Although she had pursued a career in education, nursing remained her true calling. As her children grew

older and became more independent, she returned to school and earned her nursing degree. She went on to dedicate 26 years of compassionate service as a Registered Nurse, working at Loma Linda Community Hospital in Loma Linda, California, and San Bernardino Community Hospital in San Bernardino, California. Her life was defined by the same unwavering care and devotion she showed to both her patients and her family.

Madelyn was known for her warmth, generosity, and the loving spirit she shared with everyone she met. When treating herself, she enjoyed traveling and having fun in Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada, as well as visiting Texas, Louisiana, and Northern California. She also loved shopping, whether online or at her favorite malls.

A devoted woman of faith, Madelyn was a faithful member of the Church of Christ. For over two decades, she worshipped with the Muscoy

Church of Christ in San Bernardino, California. After relocating to Adelanto, California, she became a member of the Adelanto Church of Christ. She cherished her church family and treasured every opportunity to fellowship and worship with them.

Madelyn's passing leaves a tremendous void in the lives of those who loved her. Though she is no longer with us in body, her memory, love, and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Madelyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Uwemeno Apabio Sr.; her sons, Paris Hanchett Sr. and Uwana Apabio; her father, Anderson Hanchett Sr.; and her brothers, Anderson Hanchett Jr. and David Hanchett.

She leaves to cherish her memory her sons, Uwem (Erica) Apabio, Itoro (Eva) Apabio, and Akan Apabio, all of California; her mother, Thelma (Berry) Hanchett of Texas; her sister,

Pauline Hanchett of Texas; and her youngest brother, William Hanchett of Texas. She also leaves behind five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, four nieces, one nephew, and a host of other relatives, friends, and loved ones who will forever cherish her memory.

"Well done, good and faithful servant.