We learned late this afternoon, Saturday, July 5, that Rochelle Weithorn of the NYC sangha died. Her daughter Nicole was visiting at the time.
Rochelle was a very diligent practitioner from her days with Vajradhatu/Dharmadhatu when I met her in the early 1980s in NYC. In the mid-1990’s, I would see her regularly at Karme-Choling for the Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche teachings that went on until about 2006.
Rochelle had very much sponsored and encouraged a Tibetan children’s choir in NYC that performed at auspicious times of the Tibetan calendar. No doubt she will be very much missed by many there. May her memory be for a blessing!
-Sylvie Moon Stevenson
My mom Rochelle Weithorn passed peacefully on Saturday July.5th,2025 @ 4:49pm
She is survived by myself, her only child, as well as her grandson, Pumpkin, her favorite black cat whom she loved dearly
I was holding Mom’s hand as she took her last beautiful breath. She knew I was there because when I spoke to her, she had tears coming down her face.
A very dignified and peaceful ending in her calm clean room in rehab.
I’m truly sorry for everyone’s loss. She was a brilliant and devoted mother, grandmother (to kitties), sister, daughter and friend.
June 4 1948 – July 5th 2025
RIP MY
BEAUTIFUL MOMMY
-Nicole Bryl
Post a Tribute to Rochelle Weithorn
Tributes
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
