Since her childhood in Osasco (SP), Rosana Vicente de Moraes, also known as Rosana Gnipper, has been surrounded by animals. His particular attention was paid to stray, injured and abandoned dogs and cats.
Their fight reaches the public sphere, encouraging laws in favor of animals. Social action intensified in 2001, with the creation of the NGO SOS Bicho in Curitiba, becoming a reference in animal protection. He also coordinated the Union of Environmental Entities of Paraná, thus expanding his fight for environmental causes, “because he saw everything as a unity,” explains his daughter, Patrícia Vicente.
In 2011, she accepted the position of coordinator of Agenda 21, at the State Secretariat for the Environment, where she remained for eight years. In government, she also served as executive secretary of the National Environmental Education Policy. “Rosana was fundamental in the formulation and defense of animal protection legislation. She was correct, ethical, firm, consistent. Vegan and abolitionist. A leader,” observes her friend Laelia Tonhozi.
She says Rosana played a vital role in achievements such as banning animal traction and circus with animals in Curitiba, inspiring other cities. He also helped create Brazil’s first law to control the dog and cat population through free sterilizations.
Rosana’s intention was to “give animals a voice”, reinforces her daughter Suzana Vicente, recalling that her mother had 55 cats and 17 dogs, all rescued. “We spent more on food and veterinary care for them than for us, even in very complicated financial situations,” he says. “She was loving and always willing to help.”
His work with rescued people was voluntary and his income came from the sale of vegan products he produced. “There was no moment in her life when she was without animals. For her, every being has the right to exist. She loved good demonstrations, she was a born activist,” says Patrícia.
He had an unwavering sense of responsibility, as his friend Tosca Zamboni remembers. “She was fun, joyful, honest and passionate about life, all of life.”
Of Italian origin, Rosana was a psychologist and pianist, giving lessons when she was young. I loved manual activities, like working the land and plants. He took a mosaic class and created works of art that brightened up the house.
He had a brother and three children, whom he often took on family camping trips, with their dogs, all named after people. “It’s not just about love or attachment, but about respect,” Patrícia emphasizes, saying that protection from mistreatment began after seeing a dog taken away by the cart. “She went there and took him and adopted him. She said if we didn’t do something when we saw an animal suffering, we would be responsible for its death.”
Rosana died on September 29 of septic shock, following surgery to treat bowel cancer. He leaves two daughters and hundreds of four-legged grandchildren.
column.obituario@grupofolha.com.br
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