Iris Machado Figueroa
1988 – 2024
Milwaukee, WI

Iris R. Figueroa, a vibrant spirit and beloved daughter and mother, was born to eternal life on Monday, September 16, 2024, at the age of 36. Born on March 7, 1988, in Carolina, Puerto Rico, she was the cherished daughter of Dominga Machado and the late Roberto Figueroa.

Iris’s family relocated to Milwaukee’s east side shortly after her birth, where she quickly became known as a lively companion to her mother, often referred to as “muñeca” (doll) for her exquisite style, characterized by lace-hemmed skirts and perfectly coordinated socks. Iris took great pride in her appearance, reflecting her mother’s emphasis on personal upkeep and elegance.

A bright student at Pierce Elementary, Iris excelled in her studies and discovered her deep passion for art and creativity. This love blossomed throughout her life, inspiring her to explore various artistic mediums
and share her talents with those around her. Iris’s creativity was not just a hobby but a way of life that brought joy to her family and friends. She inherited a remarkable adaptability from her father, a self-taught handyman who inspired her to find beauty and possibility in everything.

While attending Riverside High School, she was known for her infectious humor and ability to make anyone laugh—a trait she inherited from her mother and the Machado family. It was during these years that she met her fiancé, Gladger D. Brooks Jr. Together, they shared a passion for Caribbean food and music and developed a love for cars that would remain a bond between them, even as their paths diverged over the years.

In 2008, Iris gave birth to her only child, Julissa “Ivanna” Barber, the center of her world. Despite the challenges of young motherhood, she embraced her role with grace and unwavering love. Iris took
immense pride in passing down her creative spirit to Ivanna, who shares her mother’s talent for drawing, sketching, and writing. Her legacy will live on through her.

In 2021, fate brought Iris and Gladger back together, allowing them to reconnect and rediscover the love that had once brought them together. Their relationship blossomed anew, picking up exactly where they
had left off many years prior. Iris embraced her role as the loving stepmother to Kynslie K. Brooks, cherishing the time they spent bonding over painting nails and creating art. Iris and Gladger would describe their love for one another as one of a kind. Their bond was a beautiful example of how love can grow and evolve, embodying the true definition of kindred spirits.

Iris’s warmth, kindness, and infectious laughter touched the lives of everyone she met. Known for her unwavering support and encouragement, she was always ready to lend a hand or an ear to those in need. Her vibrant personality and zest for life will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege to know her.

Iris is preceded in death by her father, Roberto Figueroa and survived by her loving mother, Dominga Machado; her beloved daughter, Ivanna; her fiancé, Gladger D. Brooks Jr.; her stepdaughter, Kynslie;
lifelong friend, Yersenia Torres; close friends, Lisa Dierickx & Margaret Martinez Dierickx; and a host of family and friends who will carry her memory in their hearts.

Rest in peace, dear Iris. Your light will continue to shine in our memories.