I had the pleasure and honour of meeting Dr Hamlin on several occasions including a visit to the hospital in Addis Ababa. In the 27 years I worked for the Australian Government’s aid program, Dr Hamlin was the best person and the hospital and its work was the best thing I ever had the privilege to meet and experience. In her dealings with me she always felt like a grandmother, so humble and gracious, and yet she achieved the most amazing success in caring for the women of Ethiopia. A life well lived.