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.
We need more people like Catherine Hamlin in this world. Her story and her impact on many thousands of women and their families is a source of hope and inspiration. She was dedicated to helping others, courageous and steadfast.If only our current world leaders had an ounce of her leadership and commitment to serving others.
She was such an amazing, inspiring lady. I met her only once but what she said stayed with me forever. Catherine single handedly made the world aware of the plight of so many young girls in Ethiopia. She gave them a chance at a normal life. Her legacy is one of love and care for those we share this earth with.
Since I heard about Dr Hamlin many years ago, I have followed her life with increasing wonder and respect. She gave herself to the women on Ethiopia without reservation and has helped thousands upon thousands of them to live normal lives again. My admiration for her is immense. She has left a legacy that will live on and on, still helping women with fistula to live valuable lives in their communities. Vale, Dr Hamlin.
The shining light of great love and compassion has sadly dimmed in Ethiopia but will shine again as her wonderful work continues to help the women in need in Ethiopia.
Rest In Peace Dr. Catherine.
Dr Hamlin was a wonderful presence in this world. Her life and work will continue to inspire people everywhere to dream of a better world and live those dreams.
Dr. Catherine, you have worked very hard and have been always nice to your people in Ethiopia. You are my hero forever. I really miss you… I will never forget you and am keeping my fingers crossed to your dream come true during our time. I will continue supporting your team in Ethiopia through Hamlin Fistula Japan (Our Chair person is Ms. Michiko Nakayama).
With deepest condolences.
We were so sorry to hear that Catherine had died. She was a truly amazing lady who inspired so many people and will be greatly missed. Her legacy will live on through all the people who have benefited from training under her guidance.
Thank you Catherine for all you have done for the women who suffered the horrible indignity of fistula. You will always be remembered with love and admiration.
Dr Hamlin, I was very humbled to be at your beautiful hospital on Monday 26th. You have been a hero, with Reg, for many years. An angel in life, and an angel still. Your legacy will live on with your amazing staff and midwives. Bless.
I thank you for your love, compassion and dedication to our sisters. You personified God’s teaching and treated every woman like she was your beloved sister. Our world was a brighter place with you in it, and you have left it a better place for thousands of women. I pray you find rest in the Beloved arms.
Words can’t describe your life’s work Catherine, it is evident in the lives you changed for the better. You were an angel for the women of Ethiopia, who were blessed with your love and caring ❤️🌺❤️
5 years ago, I had to do a school research project on an influential Australian. I found out about Catherine, and I chose to do her. I learnt so much about her work and how kind she was. I didn’t know her personally, but I could tell she was a beautiful soul. Thanks Catherine, Rest In Peace.
One particular thing that I cherish about Catherine’s work was that she was never ashamed to acknowledge her personal trust in Jesus Christ.
The Jesus of the Bible was her Lord and Saviour – and this personal reality was the motivation for all she did.
Without Jesus’ work on the Cross there would be no Hamlin’s work.
My hope is that the Foundation that bears her name will not be ashamed of Jesus into the future. As she rests in His presence, and knowing the end of all people, this would be her most important message – be ready to meet Him.
I live in Ryde, the suburb in Sydney, Australia, where Catherine came from, and attend a local church there. There is not much that is genuinely special about Ryde. The local Anglican Church, St Annes, is very old (for Australia) and not far from the home where Catherine grew up. Then there is our access to the Parramatta River that flows into the magnificent Sydney Harbour and Macquarie University is close by. What makes Ryde unique is the people, of course, and Dr Hamlin is one of the most magnificent examples of our past residents. The local council is in the process of honouring her contribution to the world. Thank you Dr Hamlin and your husband for your life of service to the poor and outcast. At this time of global crisis, we need your example more than ever. Philip Pogson