Pioneer Philomena Maria Morello Raffagnin passed away in Foz do Iguaçu on Friday afternoon (6), aged 96. Matriarch of the family, Philomena arrived in the city more than six decades ago, with her husband, Olimpio, and the couple's children.
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Reports on people who have left their mark on the city’s history – Vidas do Iguaçu section
According to the Foz do Iguaçu City Council, the wake will take place at the Legislative Assembly headquarters, with the participation of family and friends. The burial is scheduled for 16 pm, at the São João Batista Cemetery, in the city center.
The City Council and City Hall of Foz issued statements to mourn the death of the pioneer, who built a long history of entrepreneurship in the city. A native of Rio Grande do Sul, Philomena had titles of honorary citizen of Foz do Iguaçu and Paraná.
“Mayor General Silva e Luna expresses his solidarity with family and friends at this time of farewell, and pays tribute to those who contributed so much to the history and identity of Foz do Iguaçu,” the city government reported.
The Chamber emphasizes that Philomena “helped transform [the city] with an entrepreneurial vision and commitment to the community, especially in the tourism sector”.
Trajectory in Foz do Iguaçu
Born in Sananduva (RS), on January 9, 1929, Philomena and her husband, Olimpio, passed through several cities before arriving in Foz do Iguaçu. Their previous experience had been in Cascavel, where the family ran a small business selling homemade sweets.
“I had already made 18 moves, I didn’t want to move again. In Foz do Iguaçu, I found a small city, but one that showed signs of prosperity,” reported the pioneer.
According to the book that tells the story of Sindhotéis, Philomena arrived in Foz do Iguaçu in 1959. Her first venture in the city, according to the story, was a steakhouse called São Cristóvão. Soon after, came Churrascaria dos Pampas, in the city center.
Rafain Steakhouse
On the other hand, the history of Rafain Steakhouse began in 1967, giving rise to the Rafain Group, which brings together ventures in the areas of gastronomy and hospitality.
“When we opened our doors on Rua Tiradentes, I remember making an announcement on the radio informing about the opening of Churrascaria Rafain,” recalled Philomena.
“At that time, we began to receive people from all over the world who came to see the Iguaçu Falls. Our work day started at 6 am and ended at 1 am,” said the pioneer.
Condolences to the family
O H2FOZ regrets the death of Philomena Maria Morello Raffagnin and pays tribute by recovering the video of the interview she gave, in February 2019, to the Marco Zero program, in partnership with Rádio Clube:
