Myna Somers

March 20, 1950 - April 25, 2025

Myna Rae Somers was born on March 20, 1950, in Fall River, Massachusetts, to William and Frances Somers. She spent her early years exploring the woods and waterways near her childhood home, developing a deep love of nature and a fascination with plants and animals — passions that remained with her even after a serious childhood illness limited her physical activity for a time. Myna’s brilliant mind and insatiable curiosity led her to Yale University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree and was among the first women to attend the historically all-male institution. She later moved west to Portland, Oregon, which became her beloved home for the remainder of her life. Myna died peacefully on April 25, 2025, surrounded by longtime friends, new companions, and her beloved dog, Gretchen. True to her humor and spirit, she referred to her death as her “D-Day,” approaching it with courage, grace, and wit. A celebration of life was held with Myna on April 13, where friends gathered to laugh, share stories, and express their deep gratitude for the ways Myna had touched and transformed their lives. That day also honored “Bob,” the affectionate name Myna gave to the kidney she received in a transplant 25 years earlier — a kidney that far exceeded medical expectations and symbolized her fierce resilience. Professionally, Myna dedicated her life to the healing of others. After earning her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Lewis and Clark College in 1984, she worked as a counselor in many capacities. Myna was an early advocate for incorporating mindfulness into mental health care, helping to introduce these practices at Kaiser Permanente in the early 2000s — an approach that has since become a cornerstone of their therapeutic programs. She trained extensively in a wide range of therapeutic modalities that emphasized the mind-body-spirit connection, always staying at the forefront of progressive, compassionate mental health treatment. Her studies also led her into deep engagement with Native American healing traditions, particularly those of the Apache lineage through Tu Moonwalker, enriching her understanding of healing, nature, and community. Myna’s personal passions were as vibrant as her professional contributions. She was an avid nature enthusiast, a lover of water, a dedicated pitfbull advocate, and lifelong learner who never stopped exploring new ideas. She cherished good food and delighted in discovering and sharing culinary experiences with others. Music was another enduring love, filling her life with joy and connecting her to the deeper rhythms of the heart. Above all, Myna cared deeply about the human condition and the evolution of consciousness. She saw herself — and encouraged others — as part of a greater unfolding of humanity’s journey toward greater awareness, compassion, and wholeness. She was a steadfast supporter of her friends’ highest potentials, always encouraging those around her to grow, heal, and thrive. Myna leaves behind a legacy of fierce intellect, unwavering compassion, and profound love for life in all its forms. Her laughter, wisdom, and kindness will continue to ripple outward in the lives of all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered.