Daphne Patricia Hamblin

After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 11 years ago, Daphne served as an inspiration for all as she fought with courage, bravery, strength, and grace. Her selflessness and profound dedication to family, friends, and the Akron community will be forever cherished. Daphne had a remarkable ability to connect with everyone she met and touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be remembered for her kind spirit and for the way she consistently uplifted and encouraged those around her. Whether speaking with a family member, friend, or someone she had just met, her heartfelt conversations reflected her warmth and genuine interest to know and understand others. Daphne’s love which she gave will remain an enduring presence in the hearts of those who knew her and the wisdom she shared will be forever remembered.

Daphne enjoyed gardening, creating arts and crafts, listening to opera and classical music, browsing thrift stores and antique shops, participating in thoughtful and intellectually engaging discussions about science and medicine, and reading daily prayer affirmations and spiritual reflections.

Daphne is survived by her husband, Dr. Milton Hamblin, whom she first met and was introduced to him on a visit to New York in 1962 when he was a pre-med student. In 1963, on her way to Toronto, Canada, she had Thanksgiving dinner with Milton’s family and a long-distance romance blossomed into 58 years of marriage. She is survived by her two sons, Dr. Milton Hamblin Jr. (Jean) and Dr. Michael Hamblin (Ling); Grandson Matthew; Siblings: James (Carol, Josephine, Anne), Terrence (Gloria), Gertrude (Tony), and Evanson (Milu). She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Jim Jr., Jeremy (Claire), Julian (Gil), Sonia, Terry Jr., June (Randy), Graham (Justyna), Jason (Pascale), and Sarah (Victor). Great nieces and nephews: Jordan, Harrison, Alexander, Christopher, Elijah, Claudio, and Julian. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Jean and brother, David (Barbara).

The family would like to thank you for your support.

A Celebration of Life service for Daphne will be held at Rose Hill Funeral Home and Burial Park on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM. A memorial service will begin at 12:00 PM. A lunch will follow the service. We welcome all whose lives were touched by Daphne to join us in celebrating her life and cherishing her memory.