A celebrated humanitarian and advocate, Marceline Tawembi, 69, tragically passed away on Jan. 10 after being found in the cold near Ottawa’s Byward Market. Tawembi, a refugee from Congo and former UN consultant, had recently relocated to Canada to reunite with her family but faced a sudden and severe mental health decline.
Tawembi, affectionately called “Maman Tawembi,” dedicated her life to aiding vulnerable women and children in Congo, establishing schools, and supporting NGOs like Save African Children. Despite her accomplishments, her mental health struggles after moving to Ottawa led to her placement in a homeless shelter, where her family questioned the adequacy of support she received.
Her son-in-law, Jean DeDieu Hakizimana, shared concerns about the care provided, emphasizing the systemic gaps in addressing complex needs for those in mental distress. Tawembi’s tragic death, attributed to hypothermia, underscores the growing challenges of mental health and housing support in Ottawa.
The family is now focused on returning her body to Congo for a fitting farewell, honoring her legacy as a trailblazing humanitarian.
Source: Swifteradio.com
