Marta "Amma" Emelina Kidd

It is with deep reverence that the family of Marta Emelina “Amma” Debayle Kidd announces her transition into the celestial realms. Amma, a beloved spiritual “mother,” leader, and teacher at the Satchidananda Ashram Yogaville, whose light, love, and counsel touched the hearts and souls of so many, made her heavenly journey on January 24, 2026, in complete peace at her home in Buckingham, Virginia. She was surrounded by her loved ones and held in the most tender care.

Amma was born on May 26, 1938, in Washington, D.C., while her parents, Dr. Henri Debayle Sacasa and Mrs. Emelina Tercero Terán Debayle, were in diplomatic service as Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Nicaragua. She spent the first years of her life in the nation’s capital before her family returned to Nicaragua, where she enjoyed her childhood. Amma later studied in Lima, Peru, living with her beloved aunt and uncle, Margarita and Noel Ernesto Pallais, while Noel served as Ambassador of Nicaragua to Peru. She continued her high school and college education in Montreal, Canada, at L’École Sacré Cœur, where she completed her studies. A devoted student of her Catholic faith, Amma relished her time there and was deeply loved by her friends and her mentor, Mother Margaret Mary Power.

Amma spent her early adult years in Rome, Italy, where she lived an extraordinarily glamorous and exciting life as a fashion editor for Classe magazine. She worked on photo shoots with world-renowned models, photographers, and designers - work that came naturally to her, given her innate sense of elegance and style. An “It” girl of her era, Amma sat front row at European fashion shows and was dressed by the great designers of the time. She became fluent in Italian and French and moved effortlessly among European royalty and glitterati, strolling the streets of the Eternal City with her beloved dachshund and constant companion, Bopsy, at her side. Amma’s beauty and grace drew many admirers, including Francesco Aldobrandini, an Italian noble, with whom she shared many loving years.

Amma eventually moved to New York City to work for C. V. Narasimhan, Under Secretary-General of the United Nations. During one of her walks home from the UN, she noticed a poster announcing a lecture by Sri Swami Satchidananda, an Indian guru gaining recognition in the West - whom she later said she recognized from childhood dreams. She attended the lecture and was deeply moved by his philosophy, promptly requesting a private meeting. From that moment forward, Amma dedicated her life to the spiritual principles of her guru, Swami Satchidananda. For over 20 years, she traveled the world as his assistant, managing his correspondence and writings and becoming a trusted expert in his teachings. Amma devoted herself fully to the embodiment of Integral Yoga, to building spiritual community, and to guiding others with compassion and wisdom. An exceptionally eloquent speaker and writer, she carried a presence unlike any other.

Amma spent several years living and working at the Satchidananda Ashram in Pomfret, Connecticut, where she met her future husband, Stephen Cherniske. Their years together were marked by shared purpose, creativity, and deep mutual respect, a bond that endured as a lifelong friendship and admiration. Together they founded The Mother’s Inn – Center for Creative Living, a community resource for the area, and ran a bakery dedicated to sharing wholesome bread and granola locally. They later moved to California and, with care and understanding, went their separate ways.

Amma subsequently settled in Carmel, California, where she was introduced by a friend to Major General John B. “Jack” Kidd of the United States Air Force - a World War II hero and visionary dedicated to the cause of peace. Amma and Jack married and spent years traveling, meeting with world leaders, and presenting Jack’s ideas for ending war, as outlined in his books, including Prevent War: A New Strategy for America. They later made their home at “La Paz” in Earlysville, Virginia, where they shared many joyful years together.

After Jack’s passing, Amma settled in Yogaville, where she lovingly renovated her hillside home, “Shanti Kutir,” overlooking the Yogaville valley, the James River, and the LOTUS Shrine. Her home was her sanctuary - her vision of heaven on earth. In her later years, Amma welcomed friends and family around her dining table, sharing stories, laughter, and wisdom drawn from a rich and remarkable life. She counseled many, welcoming all with tea, ginger snaps, and breathtaking sunsets from her porch overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. These moments were blessings to all who passed through her door.

Amma was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Melba; and her beloved husband, Jack. She is survived by her cherished siblings, her brother Enrique José Debayle (Emy) of San José, Costa Rica, and her sister Maria Lourdes Debayle Palazio of Managua, Nicaragua; as well as by her beloved niece and “the child born of my heart” - Lucia Palazio Heros (Ricky) of Memphis, Tennessee, with whom she shared a profound and magnificent bond. She is also survived by many dear nieces, nephews, and their beautiful children.

A celebration of Amma’s life will be held at Yogaville in Buckingham, Virginia, on Sunday, March 8, 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the LOTUS Shrine at Yogaville, a sacred space honoring all faiths and spiritual paths - one that Amma deeply cherished.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Stephanie and Jonathan Thames and their children - “Lady M” Mackenzie, Bubba, Jacob, and Liam Thames - and especially to “La Nonna” Donna Miles and Judith Chairez, for their devotion and exquisite care of Amma over so many years. Deep thanks are also offered to Amma’s sangha - her spiritual family at Yogaville and throughout the world. She loved each of you with her boundless heart, in the eternal spirit of the Divine Mother.

An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com

Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, VA is hanlding the arrangements.