Isaura (Nini) De Barros, was born on June 5, 1929 in Aleixo Gomes, Freguesia de Sao Lourenco Fogo, Cabo Verde to the late Augustinha de Barros and Antonio Spinola. She immigrated to the United States with her husband Manuel Socorro Alves Barros in 1986, where she joined one of her daughters, Antonia Barros as an immigrant in Boston. Isaura lived in Dorchester, Massachusetts for the rest of her life surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Isaura transitioned from this life on December 11, 2020 in the hands of her ‘code’ Mina Barros and her loving family.
Isaura is best remembered as a loving, caring, fun, friendly and a peacemaker in her family. She had many admirable qualities, which she passed on to her children and grandchildren, including her own values, love and strong personality. “Mama Nini”, as she was called by many due to her giving and humble traits, was a joyful lady who easily made people laugh when she sang old time songs that told stories of her upbringing and her country. She was courageous throughout her life and had a unique ability to connect with others through story-telling, singing and dancing, giving and sharing; always instilling love, kindness and a sense of belonging and safety to others. Mama Nini appreciated listening to music and dancing to the sounds of tambor, mainly the deep and stimulating sounds of Kola Bandera, which later in life became her therapy and point of positive connection with her family. She was an authentic Kriola, not enough words can describe her highly spirited self.
Isaura lost her first son Antonio Barros on January 2, 2010 and her first daughter, Maria De Fatima Barros, on August 8, 2017, both her angels in their celestial power receiving her light back home. Isaura is survived by her sister, Ita Barros, 6 children; Antonia de Barros, Ana de Barros, Pedro Alves, Alino Alves, Maria Livramento Barros and Mina de Barros- Depina, 24 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. She was immensely proud of her children and family and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories and will always be remembered by those who shared her love and wisdom.