On 27th November 2022, after a short illness, Mena Vieira released the physical form that held her bright spirit, big heart and tremendous passion for life. As an educator, community builder, global networker and so much more, she has deeply touched many people in many different contexts.

Mena had fallen ill in Palestine/Israel, was diagnosed with a tumour and returned home to her father in Portugal, where she died peacefully.


This news sent shockwaves through many communities around the world, as Mena was deeply involved with so many different people and places. The extent of the grief tending which ensued is a small but precious glimpse of the huge impact Mena has made in her short life.

Her work for the Global Ecovillage Network (GEN International) brought her to Findhorn. And over several years, between the many trips to ecovillages, conferences, trainings and events, she would stay here at The Park and bring her bright spark to her work and her community involvement.

I met her only in 2016 when we shared the house for a while, until she bought herself a home on wheels that became her base. The white Mercedes Sprinter, lovingly named Branca Apolonia, was a precious sweet wee home which I had the privilege to look after whenever Mena was away on one of her many trips. Thus I got to meet this amazing woman in a very special way.

In her profile on the website of the International School of Temple Arts she expresses for me perfectly what I glimpsed of her in those precious times:

Mena is moved by and follows the trace of trust between all beings, of sustainable living in all areas, and of the paradise that is meant on this planet.
Mena is a community activist, knowing that our world is in need of more beautiful and healing ways of living together. Lived in intentional communities, as a hermit on the land, and in many places in between!
Loves co-creating spaces of human transformation and healing, where the raw nature of who we are is allowed in its full potential.
Artist, Dreamer, Organizational Fairy and LightBringer!

After her death, we were told what she left for us in her Will:

When I leave my body, I want to be remembered in the places that I love: in ceremony, in beautiful community spaces. In the silence. In lovemaking, in temple spaces, in medicine journeys, in devotional singing, in satsang, in joyful service! I would like to visit my friends in dreams. Pay attention!

In my inner vision, I hear her soft chuckle, see her impish smile, remember her passionate words and her dedicated work and service. Yes, Mena, please visit me in my dreams. It will be a delight to see you there!

With love, Cornelia Featherstone