Dechen Tsomo of Boston, MA passed peacefully at Boston Medical Center after a short illness, surrounded by her family, on July 24, 2025.
Born on March 10,1940 in Gyangtse, Tibet, Dechen was commonly known as “21 Amala” in the Tibetan community for her service as a foster parent at the Tibetan Homes Foundation in Mussoorie, India. With her late husband, Kunchok Gyaltsen (also know as “21 Pala”) they raised over 150 children over 27 years of service. A devout Tibetan Buddhist, she was a kind, compassionate, and loving mother to many Tibetan children.
She is survived by her older brother, Norbu Dhondup, and younger sister Norzin Yangkey. She is also survived by her three children, Phurbu Tsomo, Tenzin Thinley, Tsetan Dollar and her four grandchildren.
The funeral and cremation will be held at Mount Auburn Cemetery on Wednesday July 30th at 8AM.