Judy passed away on October 10th, 2026.
Dear Friends,
Myron and family would like to invite you to join us in celebrating the life of Judy McDougall Syms.
Gampo Abbey will be hosting a traditional Buddhist funeral service for Judy, called a Sukhavati. This will include remembrances from family members and a few close friends, followed by prayers and aspirations.
It will take place on Tuesday, October 13th and will begin at 10:00 am Atlantic, 9:00 am Eastern.
The ceremony is open to all, but numbers will be limited due to room capacity. If you would like to attend in person, please RSVP to: events@gampoabbey.org to reserve a seat. Dress code is smart casual.
The ceremony will also be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person. You can attend on this link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/
The family have requested no flowers be sent, but encourage donations to SPCA Nova Scotia or Gampo Abbey.
After the ceremony, Judy will be taken to Whale Cove Cemetery near Margaree Harbour for a small family burial at 3:30 pm Atlantic. Close friends are welcome to attend.
Please let me know if you have any questions by email to events@gampoabbey.org.
Best Wishes,
Jayasiddhi,
Assistant Director,
Gampo Abbey
Post a Tribute to Judy below
In my 9 month monastic residency at Gampo Abbey in 2017 I did not get to know Judy well….and yet:
I know she is legendary,
I know there was always good bread around her,
I know she could entertain,
I know she was fierce,
I know she was beautiful,
I know she had a knack for hats, or was that someone else?
I know she did not suffer fools.
I think she is a fire horse.
Ride on Dear Judy, shining with your radiance.
I met Judy ages ago in Montreal. She was an accomplished actress, senior practitioner, party animal, beautiful dresser and an extremely "ratna" hostess! Best of all, she epitomized what it means to be a sangha friend!!
I have you in my heart and hope to meet in future lives, fond dharma sister!!
Samurai woman
Wielding dangerous sword
Perhaps I will love her, despite the danger
This is a long road we travel
No promises
No end to love
9/24/2026
