Dawn Mary Barrios

She is survived by her three sons, Zachary Wool, Harrison Wool (Jen), and Spencer Wool; her ex-husband, Brandon Wool; her brother, Bruce Barrios (Val); her niece, Blaire Barrios Green (Shaun); her nephews, Byron Barrios (Ashley), Brett Barrios and Barrett Jacocks; many cousins; her granddog, and her grandcats. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Joycelyn; her beloved godson, Declan Green; and her granddogs, Jax and Pudge.

Dawn was a trailblazer. She attended Tulane Law School at a time where there was no bathroom for women in the law school. Her first job was clerking for Chief Justice Joe Sanders of the Louisiana Supreme Court, one she got by lying that she knew how to type (a fib that required her to furiously learn how to from her mom, who had fortunately been a secretary, before she started at the Court). She then entered private practice. Immediately after one of her early trials, the judge asked for a picture with her as proof for his friends that a woman actually tried a case in front of him.

She achieved much personal and professional success in her life, but she never lost sight of the adage “to whom much is given, much is expected.” She cherished mentoring young lawyers and helping them navigate the profession and life. No matter how busy she was, she was always ready and willing to help. Her spirit of generosity towards others will live on in those who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home in New Orleans. Friends and family will have an opportunity to share stories about her generosity of spirit towards others. A reception will immediately follow until 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, her sons ask that donations may be made in her memory to causes she held dear: A Studio in the Woods, an artist residency program (astudiointhewoods.org); Children’s Hope, an orphanage in Haiti (www.childrenshope.com); WYES, the New Orleans PBS station; or Second Harvest Food Bank.

The Celebration of Life will be accessible via livestream https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c25099509266647