Our thoughts are with everyone at Berkeley Zen Center as they face the violent loss of Seiu Shinshu Nancy McClellan, the community’s gardener and a longtime member, who was stabbed to death during a carjacking attempt near BZC following a wedding held at the center. She initially survived and was hospitalized; we are just learning now that she was later taken off life support and has passed away.
Hozan Alan Senauke, vice-abbot of BZC, released this statement:
“This has been a tremendous loss in the Berkeley Zen Center community. After two weeks in the hospital, Nancy McClellan (Seiu Shinshu/Gentle Rain-Deep Resolve) died peacefully early in the morning of 8 October. After chanting by her bedside at her passing, we walked out to find the moon in full eclipse. We are struggling to see what we can learn here even as we deeply mourn Nancy’s death.”
A suspect is being held and is expected to face a murder charge. For more on the story, click here.
In this challenging time of tragedy, let us all also strive to keep Kamau Berlin and his family and friends in our hearts. Healing requires compassion, love, and kindness to be spread as widely as possible.