Who is Madame Raphael from The Book of Laughter and Forgetting and what is their importance?

Madame Raphael is the teacher of Gabrielle and Michelle, she has been searching for souls that she relates to her entire life. She believes dancing in a ring is magic, and seeks to be included in such an intimate way. She joins a variety of organizations throughout her life in an effort to be accepted and join in a dancing ring. When she finally dances with Gabrielle and Michelle, they rise into the sky and become angels, just like her namesake.