Zoraida Barros

After a brave, year-long battle with illness, Zoraida Barros Rodriguez, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025, in Keller, TX. She was born October 9, 1949, in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico.

The only child of Maximino Barros Toro and Margarita Rodriguez Lourido, she grew up between “el campo” of Puerto Rico—where she spent her teenage years and young adulthood—and the bustling city streets of New York City, where she lived from age 2 to age 9.

Zoraida began her lifelong career in public service in 1989, joining the United States Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Program while living with her young family in Puerto Rico. As part of the U.S. SBA, she was on the front lines of response to some of the most devastating disasters to hit the country: the LA Riots in 1992, the Northridge Earthquake in 1994, the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995, and every major hurricane to impact the mainland U.S., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

She worked tirelessly to help affected families rebuild their lives, dedicating over 30 years of service before retiring in early 2021. Over those three decades, as she rose through the ranks, Zoraida touched many lives and formed deep, lasting friendships with colleagues across the country. She often shared that those years were some of the most fulfilling of her life.

Her career opened doors for her and her family, including a move to Niagara Falls, NY in 1991, where she raised her seven children and lived for roughly 15 years. In 2005, she moved to Fort Worth, Texas, also as a result of her work with the SBA.

In her free time, Zoraida found joy in simple pleasures. She loved to travel—especially to the ocean, which always called to her. She enjoyed watching movies, particularly thrillers and dramas, crocheting blankets for her kids, grandkids, and anyone who asked, as well as building puzzles and reading. Above all, she cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—laughing, sharing stories, and simply being together.

Zoraida leaves behind a strong and loving legacy. She is survived by her children: Amie (Zoraida) Morales, Patricia Morales, Margarita Martin, Elba Vanderlaan, Joseph Rodriguez, Joann Ayala (spouse Johnny Ayala), and Jacqueline Andrade.

Her grandchildren: Sharilyn Gonzalez (spouse Nehru Antonio), Tristen Morales, Mark Anthony Gomez, Casaundra Morales, Johnathan Morales, Lucy Martin, Elijah Martin, Joshua Martin, Grace Martin, Aries Vanderlaan, Athena Vanderlaan, Selena Rodriguez, Nicholas Rodriguez, Mia Rodriguez, Giselle Ayala, Sebastian Ayala, and Michael Gabriel Andrade.

Her great-grandchildren: Liam Antonio, Caleb Antonio, Jariel Morales, and Kairi Morales.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Margarita Rodriguez Lourido and Maximino Barros Toro.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Zoraida’s life will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Keller's Old Town Funeral Home, located at:

220 Keller Parkway, Keller, TX 76248

Reception to follow.