Cecelia Hamlin

Cecelia graduated from Alexander Scott High School and, always interested in furthering her education, received certificates of learning in English and Psychology from Point Park Junior College in Pittsburgh. Upon arrival in Toronto, Canada, Cecelia continued to pursue her studies in English and Psychology with certificate courses at Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University).

In 1966, Cecelia transferred from The Bell Telephone Co. of Pennsylvania to Bell Canada in Toronto. She worked as a clerk in the National Accounts department and also served several terms as a union representative. Following her retirement in 1991, Cecelia stayed in touch with her former coworkers through frequent social events.

Cecelia lived in the St. James Town neighbourhood for almost her entire time in Toronto. She was active in the Black Parents organization which aimed to secure more teachers, student counsellors, and principal of colour to serve the influx of people from the Caribbean. Cecelia was also a fierce advocate for tenants' rights where she and others fought for rent control, and expanding housing opportunities for families with children and pets.

Having accepted the Lord at an early age at New Hope Baptist Church in Braddock, Cecelia served in many ministries including teaching Sunday School and playing the piano. She sang joyfully in the Junior Choir although she confessed to being not much of a singer. When she moved to Toronto, she was led to St. Clair Ave. Baptist Church where she continued the service begun at New Hope. She also worshipped with Faith Community Christian Church, a predominantly Filipino congregation that shared facilities with St. Clair. Cecelia was a faithful and active member of St. Clair until her death.

On May 26, 2025, Cecelia joined her father and mother, brothers, George Hamlin, Jr. and Robert Emmet Hamlin, beloved sisters, Doris Priscilla Hamlin Hite, Rosa Belle Hamlin McGriff, Josephine Hamlin Spencer, Jacqueline Hamlin Burnham, Ella Frances Hamlin Green, Minnie Ruth Hamlin Glaze, a much-loved cousin, Meredith Lorraine "Peggy" Elston, and a dear sister-in-love, Helen Mae Hamlin (Robert). Cecelia leaves to mourn two daughters, Mary Ellen Platt and Cynthia Aisha Hamlin.

A visitation for Cecelia will be held Friday, June 6, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Jerrett Funeral Homes, 1141 St Clair Ave West, Toronto, ON M6E1B1. A funeral service will occur Sunday, June 8, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at St.Clair Avenue Baptist Church, 152 Wychwood Ave, Toronto, ON M6C 2T2.

Contributions in Cecelia's memory may be made to St. Clair Baptist Church, Sinai Health Foundation, and St. Michael Hospital.