
Photo by Dojin Haas
Mary Watson / Genji Ikushi
Eyes of Compassion, Nurturing Teacher
April 4, 1943 – November 19, 2025
Mary was one of the longest-term residents and practitioners at San Francisco Zen Center. Her husband Jack Weller practiced with Suzuki Roshi and died a few years ago. From Shosan Vicki Austin: “Mary was an incredible observer and intimate participant with life. She was diagnosed with ALS about two years ago, and up until that moment, she was riding mules across the Sierras, going to the Sahara, writing poetry, playing harp in the hospital, doing sand tray therapy, being a grandma, and teaching the children. I want to invite us to be with Mary’s spirit, because she really embodied compassion. When Blanche gave her the precepts, she gave her the name, Eyes of Compassion, Nurturing Teacher, and that’s what Mary was.”











