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.
Dr Catherine Hamlin’s life and story has played a large role in my own life over the past two decades. Since the moment I picked up the book, ‘The Hospital By the River’ in a bookshop and could not put it down, and then read ‘Catherine’s Story’ and learned more about the Hamlins, I found sharing her story was easy. Dr Catherine is such an inspiring and passionate human, and a selfless giver to so very many people all over the world. Including myself. When I encountered the hardest year of my life in 2010, a time of incredible grief and personal loss, I reached out to thank people who were impacting me. I wrote to Dr Catherine; her contact details were at the back of her second book. I wanted her to know the impact that her life story was having on my own life. I could not quite believe it when Dr Catherine wrote back to me. There were two more exchanges between Adelaide, South Australia and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and I treasure both her letters to me. She encouraged me to continue with music, as the world needs a song of hope. She suggested my brother get an already trained dog instead of a puppy, and that was wise advice that he did not heed! How my heart was encouraged by her words, as my family began walking the unexpected path of grief and loss. She understood and she reached out. I have never forgotten the impact that has had on my life. If I can be one millionth of the human she has been, I can hope to somehow have my own purpose for walking this earth. Heaven has today received a citizen of the highest calibre, a servant of the most humble nature, a woman who reflects the truest kind of humanity. And we are the richer to have had her here for a short time on this earth. And, my word, what a way to live those few years. A century of hope. God bless you and all whose lives you touched, Dr Catherine. I hope you find a way to somehow see my dear brother Jonathan and recognise through him that you touched even my life, a non fistula patient whose heart was breaking. Thank you x
RIP – One of the worlds few Remaining Saints has gained her wings, rest well up in the heavens Dr Catherine Hamlin. Thank-you for all your hard work and dedication you provided to the women in Africa.
RIP Catherine. I was reading your autobiography on the day I gave birth to my first child and I have never forgotten about your work since then. You made a difference every day in Ethiopia and will continue to do so for many years to come. Thank you for looking after some of Africa’s most vunerable women and bringing awareness to this tragic condition.
I know Catherine’s focus and dedication will continue to inspire, she has shared so much. She has raised women’s potential for professional accomplishment and raised humanity’s eyes to an important focus – I will remember her always, as though she were my own grandmother.
A true heroine who changed the lives of over 60,000 woman. Love to you Catherine on your journey to wherever you incarnate next, they will be lucky to have you. What a life, what a warrior, what a woman ❤️
The legacy will definitely live on in the changed lives of many women. God gave her an enduring gift and a true servants heart. Rest with your Lord and Saviour. The angels will be rejoicing
Dear Dr Hamlin,
Thank you for everything you have given to the world, and in particular, to the cause of women’s health. I am a junior doctor in obstetrics and gynaecology in Adelaide and I have known about you and the beautiful, important, and foundational work you have done in Ethiopia since I was 15.
The leadership and dedication you have shown will never be forgotten. I am truly lost for words. Through your work you have empowered the community, and through education, you have assisted the women and healthcare workers in Ethiopia to further the cause and become leaders in their own right. Whilst I believe that you would not have wanted or needed any special praise or acknowledgement for the work you have done, I wish nonetheless to express my utmost admiration and respect for you. The world is a better place for you having been in it.
I know you were a devout Christian, and so I am glad you are now with Reg in Heaven, where you both belong.
It was an honor to meet Dr. Hamlin at the Hospital .she was very kind and humble .Her legacy will live forever
ኢትዮጵያ አይዞሽ አገሬ ።
የፊስቱላ ሆስፒታል መስራች ዶ/ር ካትሪን ሀምሊንን ማጣት መጉደል ነው ። ለአገሬ ምስኪን ሴቶች እህቶች ላደረጉት ሁሉ እግዚአብሔር በቀጣዩ አለም ይክፈልዎት።
It was back in the days . Operah Winferey visited Ethiopia to see what Dr Hamlin was doing. When I interviewed Operah for ETV , she told me how she was honored to have Dr.Hamlin on her show .
Is she the most unforgatable women on your show? I asked
Opera said” yes that’s why I came to see her.”
May you rest in peace Dr.Hamlin Yohannes Ayalew producer ethiofidel.com
Toronto
Canada
One of the greatest women I have ever known, I’m proud to have welcomed her into our home in New Zealand and to be related to her through her husband. God bless the legacy and work she and Reg began. God bless her family and her friends. Praise to God for this woman and her example. Hallelujah!
An incredible woman and someone worthy of being emulated. A standing ovation on heaven and earth for a phenomenal life’s work. Thank you Dr Hamlin. ❤️❤️❤️
A gracious and faithful lady has gone on true next part of her journey. I feel privileged to have spent 9 days at the fistula hospital and enjoyed spending time with Catherine. She had created a haven for the outcasts. Her life was a life well lived. Rest In Peace
