If there were a Nobel Prize for grandmothering, Daphne Mullings would be a laureate. She was a woman of immeasurable character, a woman whose life journey took her from the rural landscapes of Jamaica to the bustling cityscapes of Toronto, leaving an indelible mark on every soul she touched.
Early Life and Journey to Canada
Born on March 30, 1929, in Christiana, Jamaica, Daphne was the eldest of ten children born to Adeline and Wilfred Johnston. Her mother, Adeline, descended from the Maroons, fiercely independent people known for their resistance to imperialism. As a young woman, Daphne studied business and worked for a bank before joining the Ministry of Labour. In 1952, she married her school sweetheart, Horace Mullings, and together, they embarked on a journey that would take them far from their homeland.
Windrush Pioneers
In the aftermath of the Second World War, Britain faced a labor shortage. Daphne, Horace, and their son Glendon became part of the wave of Jamaicans, known as “Windrush pioneers,” who migrated to the U.K. to fill these labor gaps. Unfortunately, Daphne encountered racial prejudice which cost her a job at Harrods. Undeterred, she became a “conductress” on the double-decker buses driven by her husband, charming passengers with her effervescent personality while studying nursing in her spare time.
Embracing Canada
In search of less prejudice and more opportunities, the Mullings family moved to Canada in 1967. Daphne’s husband, Horace, was one of the first black drivers for the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). Daphne continued her nursing career at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children and later at Toronto Public Health. Her kindness and radiant smile were unforgettable to all who met her.
A Pillar of the Community
Daphne was not just a nurse; she was a community builder. Over the years, she helped many family members and friends who immigrated to Canada, offering them a place to stay and guidance in their new country. She was beloved by her five grandsons and two great-grandsons, who cherished her nurturing spirit and generous heart.
Her Last Journey
Even in the face of advanced age and a long battle with cancer, Daphne’s spirit remained indomitable. In 2022, she embarked on a trip to Rome and London, and then back to her native Jamaica to host Christmas. Despite feeling the return of her cancer on Christmas Day in 2024, she kept her spirits high for the sake of her grand- and great-grandchildren.
Legacy
Daphne Mullings passed away on July 24, 2025, in Toronto, leaving a legacy of resilience, love, and generosity. Her life was a testament to her belief in the power of kindness and the human spirit. Her funeral was a celebration of her life, filled with music, dance, and stories of her extraordinary journey. Daphne lived a life that was both ordinary and remarkable, and she will always be remembered as a nurturing grandmother, a dedicated nurse, a supportive friend, and a pioneer.
