Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Public Wake Under Way for Ieda Maria Vargas, Brazil’s First Miss Universe, Dead at 80

Tributes are honoring the 1963 champion whose victory made Brazilian beauty a global presence.

Overview

  • Her body is being viewed at the Rio Grande do Sul Legislative Assembly, with public farewell until 4:30 p.m. local time and a private ceremony at 5 p.m. at Cortel Metropolitano Crematório.
  • Vargas died on December 22 in Gramado at age 80, with her family confirming the death after her ICU hospitalization at Hospital Arcanjo São Miguel.
  • No cause of death has been disclosed by the family.
  • She won Miss Brasil and Miss Universe in 1963 at age 18, drawing massive celebrations in Brazil and a formal reception by President João Goulart.
  • Officials and peers, including Governor Eduardo Leite and former Miss Brasil Deise Nunes, posted condolences, while family statements thanked supporters for messages of respect and affection.