Dear Friends,
We are writing to let you know that our friend and sangha sister, Vicky McKay, died unexpectedly last Tuesday morning, December 23rd.
Vicky’s sudden passing has been a shock to her family and for all of us who knew her, as she was one of the most alive and vital women we know. We don’t know the cause of death, other than she was at home and it was very sudden. She was 72.
Passionate about the dharma, Vicky has been unreservedly and deeply engaged in practice and study in recent years. She was with us almost daily in Sonoma’s weekday morning sitting, cheerfully staffed numerous programs, was in a regular dharma group with Basha Hirschfeld, attended the Three Yanas month-long retreat at Drala Mountain Center in both 2024 and 2025, and was helping with putting on the next one. Vicky was energetically involved in many activities, both within our sangha and in other groups, where she put her heart into making the world a more wakeful, compassionate and joyous place.
Ceremony of Sukhavati
The Sonoma Shambhala Center, along with Vicky’s husband Bill Collins, invite you to attend a hybrid Sukhavati Ceremony for Vicky, Saturday, January 3, at 3:00 pm Pacific.
There will be refreshments and a community gathering following the ceremony. Those who are coming in person are invited to bring some finger food or a beverage to share at the celebration. The link is below for those attending on Zoom.
We would love to have as many people as possible come in person*. Because of the size of our shrine room, we request you RSVP to Janet Constantino: constanj8@comcast.net. No need to RSVP if you are attending online.
Meanwhile, you could include Vicky in your practice, and encourage her to continue to use her powerful lungta as she goes through this part of her journey. Please join us if you can.
Join Zoom Meeting
The room will open at 2:45 pm (Pacific). Please join ahead of time so we can be ready to begin.
us06web.zoom.us/j/81622315013?pwd=QbFyEX6yBwkTTfgrdppwcGHQiaDTMd.1
Meeting ID: 816 2231 5013 • Passcode: 256042
Full Zoom info can be found here:
us06web.zoom.us/meetings/81622315013/invitations?signature=1WZWGmk–6XtIzD4mJzbXLoRcKBpoMWBWsOgBOF2NLU
*If you have not been to the Sonoma center here is a google map link.
