Saipan mayor’s wife passes away

The islands were shaken yesterday with the sad news about the passing of Tonie Apatang, the wife of Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang, who died in Hawaii during medical referral.

Henry Hofschneider, special assistant to the mayor of Saipan, confirmed yesterday that Tonie Apatang had passed on.

“We’re sad to hear news of her passing. We are always here to support our mayor in anyway we can and I just hope he can stay strong. This is really shocking news to all of us and everyone in the office would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family,” Hofschneider said.

News of Tonie Apatang’s demise spread on island around 3pm yesterday. It was not immediately confirmed what caused her demise but there have been reports of her battling some form of cancer. She and Mayor David Apatang left Saipan on Oct. 27 and, after staying a week in Guam, arrived in Hawaii for treatment.

Yuki Kishimoto, student exchange program coordinator for the Saipan Mayor’s Office, said, “I’m deeply saddened by this. I know it will take time, but I hope the mayor will be okay soon. We just hope he knows we’re here for him if he needs any assistance.”

Prior to her condition, Apatang was an employee of Saipan’s IT&E.

Natashia N. Tomokane, prepaid product manager for IT&E, said, “IT&E staff and management are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of a former employee, colleague, and friend, Mrs. Tonie Apatang. Tonie worked for IT&E for almost 15 years and played an instrumental role in strengthening the relationship between IT&E and government leaders. Her bubbly personality and people skills forged friendships with everyone she came in contact with. She will truly be missed. IT&E extends its condolences to Tonie’s family and friends as they mourn the passing of a wonderful woman.”

Acting Saipan mayor Antonia Tudela said, “The passing of the late Tonie Apatang is very sad for us. I actually wanted her to be back on island as soon as possible, but what can we do when God has different plans for us? We’re just waiting for more information about the issue but we still intend on continuing the mayor’s mission here on island while he’s away. It is during times like these where we should not forget the responsibilities entrusted to us by Mayor Apatang.”

Tudela also recently experienced the death of a loved one, so the passing of Tonie Apatang took a toll on her.

“I’m really hurt by this. My daughter actually passed away this year at the age of 50. So for something like this to happen while I’m still trying to recover is just devastating. I didn’t know Tonie’s condition was that serious, but I hope Mayor Apatang is alright,” Tudela said.

Tonie Apatang just celebrated a birthday on Nov. 7.

In a post on Facebook, acting governor Victor Hocog said: Mr. Mayor, on behalf of Gov. [Ralph] Torres, our executive departments personnel join me in extending our deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family. We will remember her in our thoughts and prayers. May she now rest in peace [in] the hands of the Lord.