Isabel "Cookie" F. Barroso

Isabel “Cookie” Barroso passed away peacefully on June 25, 2025, at the age of 90. Born in Tampa on October 16, 1934, Cookie was a proud West Tampa girl, raised in the close-knit Spanish-American community that shaped her deep sense of family, kindness, and integrity.

She met the love of her life, Johnny Barroso, as a young teenager. From that moment on, they were inseparable. The two eloped and built a joyful life together—a life full of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. They raised their children with warmth and intention, and Cookie embraced her role as a wife, mother, and friend with unmatched heart.

Cookie always had a smile on her face, a glow that lit up every room she entered. She was a woman of great class and grace—never one to hold a grudge and always ready to lend a hand to others, no matter how they had behaved. Her quiet strength and dignity made her someone others admired deeply.

She had a remarkable way of making everyone feel at home. Over the years, she “adopted” all of my friends as her own. Our house was always filled with laughter, food, and a sense of safety and belonging, thanks to her. Whether it was a holiday or a simple weekday dinner, Mom made sure no one ever left her home feeling like a guest.

She loved the holidays and made every celebration feel like something out of a storybook, with decorations that dazzled and food that comforted. A proud Tampa Bay Rays fan, she was also an avid Pokeno and bingo player who enjoyed her trips to the casino—especially when she won.

It still makes me laugh that Daddy, an avid diver, swimmer, and lifeguard, spent his life with a woman who couldn’t swim and didn’t like the water one bit. That was just one of the many funny contrasts in their relationship—and yet they balanced each other so beautifully.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband John “Johnny” Barroso, her dear daughter Deborah Lynn Barroso, and her cherished son David John Barroso. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Melinda Barroso, who treasures every memory and every lesson learned from her mother.

Melinda shares: “Mom, thank you for the countless times we sat together watching old movies—laughing, crying, and sharing stories. One night, after a particularly sentimental film, you and I were both sobbing when Daddy walked in and stared at us like we were crazy. We couldn’t stop laughing afterward. Those were such special moments. And after a lifetime of you insisting I got my strong will from Daddy, I came to realize—after years of beautiful, close time spent with you—that it was actually you I got it from. You were the strongest woman I’ve ever known. Thank you for everything.”

Cookie also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews: Steven & Carol Wratchford, Michele Wratchford, Jason & Stefanie Gill, Louis & Ruth Barroso, Herman & Ileana Quijano, Albert & Darlene Jerez, Robert & Brenda McCarthy, Gus Barroso, as well as their children and extended families, each of whom brought her joy and laughter over the years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Isabel’s honor may be made to MacDonald Training Center for people with disabilities: https://macdonaldcenter.charityproud.org/donate

To know Cookie was to be loved by her. Her smile, her strength, her elegance, and her unconditional kindness will live on in all who were lucky enough to be part of her life.

A memorial service will take place at 11am on Friday, July 18, 2025 at Blount and Curry Carrollwood. The family will receive friends half hour prior starting at 10:30am and following the service before the inurnment that will take place at 1pm at Myrtle Hill Cemetery.