It is with deep sadness we share the news of the passing of Dr Catherine Hamlin, co-founder of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia.
On Wednesday March 18th Catherine passed away peacefully at her home on the grounds of the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia where she has lived for 61 years.
I wish people like Catherine Hamlin could go on living forever, but I am certain that she has made sure to leave her life’s work in the hands of people with equal dedication and skills.
I came across her and her husband’s extraordinary work years ago when through pure chance I picked up a book called “The hospital by the river” and I was deeply moved by the unnecessary plight of these
women and the amazing change to their lives through this “simple” fistula operation.
I have admired Catherine from afar for a long time and I shall miss the pictures of her amongst her smiling, cured patients.
Barbara Maas
Thank you Catherine for your service. You are my hero. Enjoy being with your King forever as He welcomes you saying ‘ well done good and faithful servant ‘.
It is with great sadness that I read about the passing of Dr Catherine Hamlin. She was an inspiration to me. I was inspired to do medicine in 1980 because of her. I met Dr Hamlin in London many years ago and she was so lovely to me . She took me out for dinner and welcomed me into her fold. I was so impressed with how they both lived their lives. They have been truly inspirational to many a young doctor and her values have held dear to me through my career.
I have been for many years been personally moved & encouraged by the tenacity and love shown by Catherine & her late husband… thank you good & faithful servants, enter your rest & divine peace…
I have followed Catherine and Reg’s life from the moment they began their incredible journey to live so far from home
I am now a retired midwife so I was incredibly interested in all they accomplished
The books about her life’s work were shared by many friends
So beautiful so caring so giving asking nothing for herself
When Reg died she must have missed him enormously but continued on to bigger and better things
The hospital by the river I think spread her work to the wider world
So sad ( I was shocked to hear of her passing ) my own mother is 96
and we always compared them as such incredible women
May she be blessed a thousand times and rest comfortably in the knowledge of what she has left for her staff to continue to do as she has done
I will never forget her 💕💕
Rest in peace Dr Hamlin
Thank you for your amazing contribution to the world in general just by being you and for your incredible gift to the Ethiopian communities.
You were an absolute inspiration!
An amazing practitioner and an incredible human being. Her legacy will long be celebrated by all of the happy and healthy mothers and children who have been touched by her magic.
Goose bumps upon hearing the sad news of the passing of a truly remarkable human. I love the image of God welcoming Catherine into His glorious presence saying; “Well done my good and faithful servant.” May the legacy of Catherine’s selfless continue to inspire others to generously give to the ongoing work done by the Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation. God’s richest blessings to her family at this difficult time, a family who selflessly shared a mother and a grandmother with those who needed her most in Ethiopia.
Thank you for letting us know. What a sad day indeed, although when I think of the myriads of women she helped it cheers me up. I will continue to support her.
Dear Catherine,
Yes, a Saint, as Mother Theresa; you both will always live on in your legacy of giving life and giving life back to the multitude of human beings who would not be here without your amazing work and guidance!
Catherine was an inspiration to myself and my husband as doctors. She lived by example and set the highest, most altruistic example as a human. The world will miss you and let’s hope others follow in your selfless shadow.
We met Dr Hamlin once in Melbourne and heard her speak at a dinner. What a wonderful, gracious lady, one who gave her life in service for others. It was a pleasure to support her work in a small way. If you have not read, Hospital by the River, it’s a must read.
Dear Dr Hamlin was truly an angel on earth. She was an inspiration and we are grateful for her wonderful care and compassion for the women she helped. Thank you Dr Hamlin.
I have followed this wonderful lady from when I first saw her on Oprah at 10 years old watching it with my mum I was amazed at what she was doing and had done she is truly a saint all her work amazes me still to this day all the women and girls she has helped may she rest in peace xx
