OM TARA TU TARA – A LIFE WELL SERVED
Rochelle Weithorn June 4, 1948 – July 5, 2025
Rochelle Weithorn, a devoted Tibetan Buddhist practitioner, two-time author, artist, director, beloved mother, sister, aunt, friend and world traveler, passed peacefully in New York City on July 5, 2025, at the age of 77, with her only child, daughter Nicole, by her side. Born in Torino, Italy, on June 4, 1948, to David and Helen Weithorn, Rochelle led a life in New York City guided by compassion, creativity, and spiritual conviction. A gifted and sought-after hair stylist and makeup artist, Rochelle served New York’s elite and celebrity circles for over two decades—known not only for her talent, but for the warmth and care she extended to everyone she encountered. As her reputation grew throughout the 1980s and ’90s, she self-published her first book for brides, Be Beautiful and Stay Sane on Your Wedding Day, offering expert guidance and calm wisdom to women preparing for one of life’s most memorable milestones. The book remained in bridal circulation for decades.
Later in life, Rochelle became a respected and sought-after pendulum dowser, using the sacred guidance of Tara (the female Buddha) to clear negative energy for clients around the world. A passionate advocate for natural healing, she helped hundreds navigate emotional and spiritual challenges with profound intuition, compassion, and care. Her deep commitment to the Dharma, her teachers, and her practice remained central throughout her life. Through her nonprofit organization, the Milarepa Children’s Theater and Chorus, Rochelle lovingly introduced children to the teachings of the Buddha and the compassionate path of Tara and her 21 emanations.
She went on to self-publish her second book, My Summer with Tara, and produced a number of children’s plays and educational videos on the life of the Buddha and Tara. Her work circulated globally and was also translated and published in German. Rochelle’s life was one of service—lived with immense tenacity, generosity, and a tireless desire to ease the suffering of others. A lifelong lover of the arts, an explorer of cultures, and a great appreciator of beauty in all its forms, her travels and boundless curiosity enriched both her personal and spiritual journey.
She is survived by many: her only child, Nicole; her immensely beloved rescue cat, Pumpkin; her seven nieces and nephews; and her cherished siblings—Victor, Anita, Gloria, and Mark—with whom she shared enduring bonds of love. But above all, Rochelle was a profoundly devoted mother. Her greatest joy was her daughter, Nicole, with whom she built a rich and creative life in New York City spanning more than 50 years. Their impenetrable bond was rare—best friends, artistic collaborators, and intuitive companions. For over two decades, they worked side by side as hair and makeup artists, sharing not only a profession, but a deep and abiding love rooted in mutual care and devotion. Rochelle was a luminous presence—elegant, insightful, and selfless.
Her legacy of compassion, wisdom, and beauty lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. In 2020, at the start of the pandemic, Rochelle moved in with her daughter Nicole and her cat Pumpkin. They spent the final five years of her life together—an extraordinary conclusion to a majestic journey of creativity, love, and shared devotion. Her daughter’s final wish: May Rochelle fly free and obtain enlightenment now.
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I have been Rochelle's friend for over 60+ years, from Brooklyn,NY, Brownsville.
I knew her parents and Victor. She was at my wedding and she was at my grandson's Briss. I also knew her parents. Our parents were were also friends.. My heart is broken and very sad. Please reach out to me.
I met Rochelle at Karme Choling at least 30 plus years ago or more.
Many years later, as she knew I was a Social Worker she consulted me regarding concerns about young sisters in the Milarepa Chorus.Together we were able with coordination with Children’s Services to ascertain and maintain a safe living environment for these sisters.
Many years passed after that and I began working with a teen Tibetan boy whose family did not speak English.I immediately thought she could find and be a resource.
She coordinated a Tibetan Translator to assist in conferences and family therapy.
Our contact with each other was sporadic but deeply rooted in the Dharma and Doing Good.
Her dynamic presence is a loss for the NY Buddhist community and the world at large.
My memories of Rochelle are so vivid when we were part of the New York Sangha, many years ago. Vibrant, bubbly and full of life and good humour and especially devoted to the children in our NYC community. I send you love and a peaceful journey, Rochelle.
I knew Rochelle from the early days of New York Dharmadhatu. At the time, I don’t think I knew else in New York that appreciated other people the way Rochelle did. She always made me feel that she was really listening. She was not arrogant about anything, and when she spoke it was so caring, down to earth, that it was profound. We talked a lot about Trungpa Rinpoche, and I am convinced that he shared things with her that no one else knew. Rochelle was a yogini, disguised as an unusually mild-mannered New Yorker.
Rochelle
I take a piece of your goodness
And carry it on ,
You are such a good friend !
I miss you alot.
Farewell.
Sending much love to Rochelle on her journey. She was always such a beautiful being. I was lucky to have gotten to know her throughout childhood as a friend of my mom's and sangha member. She always felt like a wonderful auntie. I will cherish the memories of her time with us 💕
Rochelle was a ray of sunshine and a kind person to the fiber of her being. Her energy was so warm and her smile so genuine. Safe travels Rochelle, may you dance in the moonlight on the way to your next lotus pad. Xo
Om mane padme hum, to my dear dharma sister, whom I have shared many moments of joy and inspiration for our gurus and appreciation of Dharma. Sending love to my dear friend as she traverses the Bardo. accompanied by her gurus and the love of her beloved daughter, family, and friends in the Dharma and many communities she participated in. sending loving prayers and condolences. Ki Ki So So.
just found out
sorry for those left behind
but i "think" that she is ok
she will BE missed
i miss her already
Tara in person,
a 21 Tara Salute
into the lights sweetheart
