“The value of things is not the time they last, but the intensity with which they occur. That is why there are unforgettable moments and unique people!” Fernando Pessoa.

With great sadness and deep sorrow we inform you of the passing on of our dear friend and colleague Maria Jose Machado director of the Museu da Marioneta de Lisboa and President of the Executive Committee of UNIMA Portugal.

Many of us have had the opportunity of being touched by her effervescent smile, her strong commitment to all that she did in her own country , her museum and to all of us puppeteers.

We at the Executive Committee  were privileged to be hosted for our annual EC meeting in Lisbon in 2017 the care, commitment and friendship that she showered on us will  never be forgotten.

Our deepest condolence to her family, her colleagues and friends.

May her dear soul rest in everlasting peace and may we have the strength to face this great loss and carry on with all that she lived for.