Raimunda Sousa

June 24, 1924 - August 17, 2026

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Doyle B. Shaffer, Inc Funeral Home

45-09 Little Neck Parkway

Little Neck, NY 11362

Thursday 8/20, 8:30 am - 10:30 am

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All Souls Crematory

72-02 Astoria Blvd.

East Elmhurst, NY 11370

Thursday 8/20

Raimunda Sousa was born on June 24, 1924 in Sao Luis, in the northeastern state of Maranhao, Brazil. She later moved to Rio de Janeiro, where she helped raise Nadya and Isidoro Aguiar. She and the Aguiar family moved to the United States in 1957, settling in Miami. Raimunda made Miami her home until 1975, when she moved to New York to join Nadya and Franco Filippelli in raising first Vanessa, and then Francesca.

In her 102 incredible years of life, she was predeceased by her mother, Maria Jose de Sousa; her very best friend, Maria Jose Deruiz Pinto; and her beloved Isidoro Aguiar, as well as countless others who filled her life with joy. Along with close friends and family from New York to Sao Luis, she leaves behind her daughter of the heart, Nadya Filippelli; two granddaughters Vanessa Filippelli and Francesca Carson; and their father Franco, who was like a son to her. Finally, she leaves behind five precious great-grandchildren — Alanna, Olivia, Lucy, Ben and Henry — all of whom are her legacy.

Raimunda, also known as “Santa” or “Santinha,” was loved and cherished by all who knew her. Our hearts are broken with the knowledge that even 102 years does not feel like enough time with our Baba.

Doyle B. Shaffer Funeral Home

Noemi Sakitani

Roberto Nogueira e Carlos Colanieri

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Doyle B. Shaffer, Inc Funeral Home

45-09 Little Neck Parkway

Little Neck, NY 11362

Map

Thursday 8/20, 8:30 am - 10:30 am

Send Flowers & Gifts

All Souls Crematory

72-02 Astoria Blvd.

East Elmhurst, NY 11370

Map

Thursday 8/20

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In memory of Raimunda Sousa, Noemi Sakitani lit a candle

She wasn’t our aunt by blood, but she was always our aunt by heart, and such a loving and present part of our lives. When I moved to NYC, I knew I would never be alone. I knew that, if I ever needed anything, Tia Santinha would be there for me. And she was, with Tia Nadya, from the very moment I stepped foot at JFK. Today, even knowing that she has finally found peace, I cry because I know I will no longer receive her phone calls. But at the same time, I find comfort in knowing that she lived a life surrounded by the people she loved and that she was so deeply loved by all of us. Now, what remains are the longing, the stories, the memories, and, forever, the voice messages she would always leave for me. I also feel incredibly grateful and fulfilled knowing that I had the opportunity to introduce Marcus to her and that he got to meet someone who was so important to me. I want you all to know that we will be forever grateful for all the love, kindness, and warmth she has always shown us. And I am especially grateful that she was my family here in “America” (her proud way to say it). And of course, thank you all for opening your homes for us and treating us the same way she did. With all our love and gratitude to the entire family.

Gonna miss you, my Queen.

Planning ahead is prudent. Call us now.

Our deep condolences . I still can not believe she is no longer with us . May she rest in peace . Her legacy will remain in our hearts .

Great person! A lot of memories from out conversations about everything. Loved to talk about the movie Godfather.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.