The first elderly woman to be vaccinated against Covid-19 in Rio Grande do Sul, Eloína Gonçalves Born passed away this Tuesday, aged 102, in Porto Alegre. Her death was confirmed by the State Government, which issued a note of condolence.
The wake takes place until 6pm in chapel G of the São Miguel e Almas Cemetery, in the Azenha neighborhood. After the farewell ceremonies, the body will be cremated. Dona Eloína, as she was known, was a resident of a geriatric residence in the Santana neighborhood. He had four children, one of whom is now deceased, as well as four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The cause of death was not reported.
Eloína made history on January 18, 2021, by becoming the first person to receive the vaccine in Rio Grande do Sul. That day, still 99 years old, she was with four other people from priority groups, at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre.
Months later, when she turned one hundred years old, she visited the Piratini Palace for the first time in her life and was received by governor Eduardo Leite at the headquarters of the state government, which also reached its centenary that year. “You are an example for many people, you can be sure,” said the governor at the time. On the occasion, a saxophonist from the Banda da Brigada Militar entered playing “Congratulations to You” and Leite also presented Dona Eloína with an orchid and a birthday cake.
In a note published on social media, the State Government lamented:
“The Government of RS regrets the death of Eloína Gonçalves Born, aged 102, in Porto Alegre. Dona Eloina, as she was called, was the first elderly woman to be vaccinated against Covid-19 in RS, becoming a symbol of hope during the pandemic.
On her 100th birthday, she received tributes and spoke with governor Eduardo Leite at Palácio Piratini. Afterwards, she even received a visit from the governor himself at the geriatric home where she lived.
Dona Eloina will live forever in the memory and hearts of the people of Rio Grande do Sul.”
