Rosemary Barrientos-Irigoyen

Rosemary Barrientos-Irigoyen

September 11, 1964 - October 31, 2025

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Obituary

Our beloved Rosemary B. Barrientos-Irigoyen, age 61, passed away on October 31, 2025, after a four year battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born on September 11, 1964, in Madison, Wisconsin to parents Julian and Betty Barrientos, two Bolivian immigrants.

She met her future husband, Enzo Irigoyen, in Tiawanaku Dance Troupe, a Bolivian folk dance group. They went from dance partners to life partners, getting married in 1999 in Madison. They have two children, Sofia (24) and Sebastian (21) Irigoyen-Barrientos. Rosemary was the embodiment of maternal love and affection. She was a kind, gentle mother and a loving wife; she would do anything for her family.

Rosemary graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with her bachelor’s degree and completed a Masters in Social Work at UW Madison. For over 29 years, her warm smile illuminated the Student Services office of Vel Philips Memorial High School, where she was their beloved multilingual social worker.

She founded the Latinos Unidos club at Memorial High School and coordinated the annual Latino Festival. She was a pillar of inspiration and support for her students and a familiar face in the Latino community. In 2023, Centro Hispano awarded her the Roberto G. Sanchez Award for outstanding leadership and commitment to promoting educational opportunities for Latinos in Dane County. Her legacy runs deep in Madison; she touched many lives with her compassion and empathy.

Rosemary’s love for life, music, and nature radiated from within. In her free time, she enjoyed picnics at Wingra park, hiking at Devil’s Lake, and dancing with her friends. Her resilience and strength shone through even in the toughest moments in her battle with cancer. She cared deeply for every soul—animal and human alike. To know Rosemary is to love her. We will miss her beautiful spirit and warm hugs.

Rosemary is survived by her husband, Enzo Irigoyen, to whom she was married for 26 years; her children, Sofia and Sebastian Irigoyen-Barrientos; and their kitty, Nina. Additionally, she is survived by her siblings, Lola (Benjamin) Barrientos Marquez and Norman (Lisa) Barrientos; her sister-in-law, Claudia (Javier) Estrada; her brother-in-law, Marcelo (Jane) Irigoyen; her mother-in-law, Teresa Meneses; and her father-in-law, Jorge Irigoyen. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Rolando (Eydie) Barrientos.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 8 at 11AM at Midvale Community Lutheran Church, 4329 Tokay Blvd, Madison, WI 53711. A visitation will precede the service beginning at 10AM at the church.

A special thanks to the nurses, doctors, and staff at UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center for always taking good care of Rosemary.

We love you forever, Mama. Rest in peace.

To view her obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Legacy Center

6728 Mader Drive

608-274-1000

Events

08
Visitation
Sat Nov 8, 2025 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Midvale Community Lutheran Church • 4329 Tokay Blvd, Madison, WI 53711
Get Directions
08
Memorial Service
Sat Nov 8, 2025 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Midvale Community Lutheran Church • 4329 Tokay Blvd, Madison, WI 53711
Get Directions

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Memories

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Rosemary
WK
Wendy Kuzma
Friend •
I had the privilege of meeting your wife and mother through Gildas support group. Rosemary always had a cheery disposition and welcoming smile. It was nice to hear her talk about her birthday and activities she participated in the last few months especially finding the coloring bringing her a feeling of calmness. It was a pleasure knowing her through group where she will be dearly missed. What a kind , thoughtful and giving person she was. Wendy K.
TA
Tina A
Friend •
As a collaborator with Rosemary, she inspired me in my own service and work with Latino youth. She was a fierce supporter, hard on the problem, but oh so gentle on the people. I had the gift of seeing her a while ago after many years and after her illness had clearly taken its toll. After eyeing each other across the room, not sure if we recognized each other, she smiled. In that instant I knew it was Rosemary. I had no idea that an all-too-brief visit would be our last. May your rest in peace, Rosemary and may Jesus and his Mother Mary hold you and those who mourn you, close. Amen.
JH
Julie Holperin
Friend •
Rosie’s smile was so special, I’ve only known her a short time, she’ll remain in my memories as a sweet lady who loved her family and her music and dancing. Dance in heaven now sweet girl!
SR
Sandra Ramirez
Friend •
Twenty five year's ago Rosemary mentored me and helped me as a new Latina Bilingual MMSD Social Worker. Rosemary was so welcoming and encouraging, helping me feel confident in my job. She was always one of my go to person for problem solving. Rosemary always took time to listen and support. She made a difference in so many lives that will positively impact way into the future. Te extrañaremos mucho, que descanses en paz.
PH
Phil Hubble
Coworker •
Phil Hubble, colleague. Rosemary and I shared many years in the Student Services Department at Memorial, and she became “muy amiga mía” during that time. I came to value the warm, gentle person who invited students, staff, and parents to trust her, alongside the firm professional who could tell the truth to those same people without hesitation so that they had no choice but to consider what she had said. Rosemary’s touch has changed many souls for the better. Un abrazo de parte de Felipe
W
Wanjiru
Friend •
I had the pleasure of working with Rosemary & Enzo at Van Hise Elementary School coordinating their International Night program. She and Enzo were always willing to volunteer their time and their talents. I will always remember her beautiful warmth, kind heart, dancing in breathtaking outfits and her joy. Thank you for stepping up year after year without hesitation. Enzo & family, my deepest condolences. May her loving memories & knowing how much she made this world better ease your pain. Rest in peace beautiful lady.

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