Ilena Rosenthal: A Life of Connection, Courage, and Community
A Light That Lives On in the People She Touched
Some people leave behind more than memories. They leave behind deep feelings — the warmth of a conversation, the sound of their laughter, a kind word that stays with you long after the moment has passed. Ilena was that kind of person. Since her passing, messages from friends, neighbors, customers, and people whose lives crossed hers have begun to tell a beautiful story: a woman remembered for her joyful spirit, generous heart, lively presence, and the special way she made people feel seen, welcomed, and loved.
Whether through a conversation at the farmers’ market, a friendly message, a word of encouragement, or one of her unmistakable expressions of affection, Ilena created connections that reached far beyond any single place. And as we bring these memories together, we begin to understand just how deeply her light touched this community.
A Life of Connection, Courage, and Community
Some people become part of a place; others help shape its spirit, as she did. Since her passing, heartfelt tributes from friends, neighbors, longtime customers, and community members have revealed how deeply she touched the lives around her.
"Took us 20+ yrs. of border hopping and 2 yrs.of coordinating with Registro requirements to successfully process our C.R. citizenship documentation. Ilena encouraged me all the way. When acceptance papers finally arrived and we met up at the feria THAT was the best hug of all...mid aisle laughing, crying with joy and singing "noble patria tu hermosa bandera.....viva siempre trabajo y la paz.," Ilenitica Pura Vida." -Susana Norte
People remember her warmth, her unmistakable laugh, her generosity, her words of encouragement, and the way she could make an ordinary conversation feel like a moment of genuine connection. Whether sharing advice, welcoming someone at her corner at the farmers' market, or simply greeting a friend with her affectionate “honey,” Ilena had a way of making people feel seen and cared for. Her story is one of many dimensions — a woman of knowledge and conviction, a health advocate, a skilled writer and entrepreneur, and above all, a woman who knew how to bring people together.
Ilena was a loving soul. She was a pillar of warmth when I first arrived in the Southern Zone, pregnant with my second son. From the very beginning, she made me feel welcomed, seen, and held. I will always remember the generosity of spirit she carried. She was so bright, warm, and welcoming — a light that shone so beautifully. I am deeply grateful for the way she always made space for me to share my challenges and supported me in figuring things out, whether logistically or emotionally. She was present. Curious. Empathic. She truly listened and cared. She even helped me find the perfect house to rent — a place of solace and refuge, much like her own heart. I will miss her tremendously. I feel so fortunate to have been touched by her warmth and generosity. May her light continue to shine through all the lives she touched. -Terra Nova
The Woman Behind the Advocacy
Before Costa Rica, Ilena was already a woman of strong convictions, courage and curiosity. She studied psychology, anthropology, and sociology at the University of Colorado Boulder, and worked as a licensed real estate agent and in other professional capacities. Along the way, she wrote, explored health topics with passion, and wasn't afraid to speak up when something mattered to her.
She had an active voice in public discussions about health and consumer awareness. Writing under the name Ilena Rose, she maintained online blogs and shared information on subjects that mattered deeply to her, including breast implant awareness and broader health-related issues. Her archived writing offers a glimpse of a woman who was outspoken, engaged, and determined to bring attention to subjects she believed deserved greater public discussion. This was another dimension of Ilena — one that existed long before many of us came to know her in Costa Rica.
I met Ilena about 12 years ago, at her booth at la feria in Perez. The love we shared was instant, like we’d known each other for many lifetimes. When I would arrive at her booth, her eyes would fill up with tears of joy. She’d hug me tight and then hold my face and kiss me. In her arms, the world around us stopped, and no matter how busy she was, we always had those moments together where nothing else existed, except us… She will live on in my heart for all eternity and now I know I have a very special angel keeping an eye on me. Thank you Ilena, you will forever shine in the night sky as the brightest star! - Beth Sylver
The Entrepreneur: Building a Life and a Business in Costa Rica
In San Isidro de El General, Ilena found a way to turn her entrepreneurial spirit into something that reached far beyond business. Through The Colibrí's Corner, her stand at the local farmers' market, she created a welcoming space where people could discover locally produced foods, gourmet specialties, health-conscious products, and the work of small Costa Rican producers.
I was so grateful to discover Ilena and the wonderful natural and organic products she offered at The Colibri's Corner. Living in Drake Bay, where access to organic products is practically nonexistent, finding her was such a blessing. I began ordering from her, and she would lovingly pack everything up and send it to me on Tracopa. We finally met in person one day when I had to go to Pérez Zeledón, and of course, I made a beeline straight for her at the feria! It felt as though we had known each other forever, and I quickly realized that Ilena had that beautiful gift of making everyone feel like an old friend. She was always thinking of others. Whenever she came across a dolphin, whale, or ocean article or picture, she would send it to me or tag me, just because she knew it would make me smile. That was Ilena — thoughtful, generous, and full of love. She never did make it down to Drake Bay to swim with the dolphins with me, as we had hoped, but somehow I know she will be swimming alongside me now, free of all earthly limitations. Oceans of Love, Ilena, Swim free, beautiful soul. - Sierra Goodman
Her corner became a familiar meeting place for residents, expatriates, and travelers. It was somewhere to shop, exchange news, catch up with friends, and discover something new. Behind every product was a connection to a local producer, a small enterprise, or a person whose livelihood depended on the relationships Ilena helped cultivate.
But her entrepreneurial vision did not stop at the market. Through her weekly newsletter, The Chayotevine, she extended that same community-oriented approach into the online world. Then came her website Pura Vida Connections, which became a resource for people living in or visiting the Southern Zone, bringing together local information, businesses, opportunities, community stories, and practical connections.
Ilena was love. She was a force of nature and filled everyone she met with light and grace. When I first moved here, like so many people, she welcomed me into her life. She gave advice, she messaged with articles and we dove into topics that were close to our hearts. We shared the Jewish holidays, countless meals and so many hugs. I still can feel her arms around me, her joyous laughter and excitement always to connect. I feel her now. I Love you, Ilena - Raven Neuhaus
Together, The Colibrí's Corner and Pura Vida Connections reflected something essential about Ilena: she understood that a successful business could be much more than a commercial activity. It could become a meeting point, a source of opportunity, and a network of mutual support.
Her work connected people who might otherwise never have met, while creating opportunities for local producers and small businesses to reach a wider audience. It was a livelihood, certainly, but also a contribution to the community she had chosen to call home.
And perhaps that is one of the most meaningful parts of her entrepreneurial legacy: the connections she established continue to matter to the people who were part of them.
I remember when we first met. Ilena was at her stall, and when we got talking she felt so familiar to me that i instantly felt at home. I had touched base with Ilena. Soon after I went to her birthday party where i met lots of her friends. From then on she helped me with so many things, from taking care of animals, paying bills, moving home, transport, contacts, meals on wheels, and much much more! She knew and loved so many people, and was able to see and feel and love deeply without judgement. She loved everyone, with kindness and sweetness and genuine good will. She brought so many diverse people together. It was so good to know she lived just down the road. I wish I had been less reclusive. In emergencies she was there. She never let me down. She was like a fairy godmother. In her time with us here she was living love in action. She has left a void. But she is also a bridge. This is an opportunity to lift up this void and allow it to be filled with love and beauty in our hearts to continue her legacy. - Christine Krisia
The Community Builder: Bringing People Together
Perhaps Ilena's most enduring contribution was something that could never be measured in sales, website visits, or business achievements: the community she helped bring together.
For many people in San Isidro de El General, The Colibrí's Corner was much more than a place to shop. It was a familiar meeting point, where friendships developed, conversations flowed, news was exchanged, and newcomers could begin to feel at home. Whether someone had lived in Costa Rica for decades or had just arrived in the Southern Zone, Ilena had a way of making people feel welcome.
The messages shared after her passing reveal just how personal those connections became. Friends remember her affectionate way of calling them "honey," her laughter, her generosity, and her willingness to listen and offer advice. Some recall years of friendship; others remember a neighbor who was always smiling, a familiar face at the market, or someone whose simple kindness made an ordinary day better.
One friend described Ilena as "pure light." Another remembered her as a best neighbor and affectionately called her "mi colibrí." Others spoke of conversations they treasured, the encouragement she offered, and the warmth they experienced whenever they visited her corner at the market.
These memories tell us something important: Ilena's influence was not limited to the people who knew her personally. Through her work with local producers, her market stand, and Pura Vida Connections, she helped create links between people, businesses, and cultures. She contributed to the informal network that makes a community feel alive.
In a region where newcomers often depend on personal connections to find their way, and where small local businesses rely on relationships as much as on their products, that contribution mattered.
Today, the stories people are sharing are themselves evidence of what she built. Her friendships crossed generations and backgrounds, and her familiar presence became part of the rhythm of life in the Southern Zone.
Ilena may no longer be welcoming customers at her corner or bringing people together through her daily conversations, but the connections she helped establish remain.
Perhaps that is the truest measure of a community builder: people continue to find one another because she once brought them together.
Click to read the amazing comments people have left on her personal FB profile page. (It might not be available to people not in her contacts)
I have dedicated a Garden to Ilena at HeavenAndEarthSanctuary.com. The mural symbolizes the Eagle and Condor flying together as the White Dove of Peace lands on Mt Chirripo. The window frames on the building are from Ilena. - Carole Maureen Friesen
I felt her tendrils of love and light channeled through The Chayotevine, reaching us in the deeper southern zone, keeping us connected. Her loving, golden, warm, heartfelt embrace; “sweetheart,” “honey,” always light and playful, confiding as a dear, loving close friend from forever and into forever. I mean to keep that; to channel that love, beauty, joy, and light she lived. - Kristy Trione, San Vito
'The Embrace of Surrender'. Ilena’s knew the magic of surrender. I have not had the words… all of you have spoken so beautifully of your love of Ilena. This image says so much… she understood this surrender in her life. It has great power and we all know that her capacity for great LOVE touched so many. - Jan Betts
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