Obituary of Valerie E. Rojas

Valerie E. Rojas, née Valerie E. Armijo Severino, of Bay Shore, NY died after a long battle with cancer on Tuesday, 19 December 2017 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Valerie, adored wife and beloved mother of three, was born in Viña Del Mar, Chile on 7 March 1963. She was the loving sister of Carlos Manuel Armijo, whom she cared for deeply.

Valerie grew up in Chile surrounded by her brother and many cousins who remember her as a caring, sweet woman who brought joy to those around her. In 1986, she met and fell in love with Juan E. Rojas. After dating for two wonderful years, Valerie and Juan married in Quilpue, Chile

Despite being told they would never have children, the devoted couple welcomed their first daughter two years after getting married. Valerie gave birth to Nicole Andrea Rojas on 31 January 1990. Juan moved to the US to be with his parents in March 1990 and Valerie and their daughter followed closely behind on Thanksgiving Day 1990.

Valerie and Juan welcomed a second baby girl, named Allison Kimberly Rojas, on 30 January 1995. The couple fulfilled their American dream and purchased their first home later that year.

After the birth of her second child, Valerie began working full-time, while being a full-time mother to her two girls. Early on, Valerie taught her girls to be independent women, proving they could fulfill any career goals while having a family of their own.

Valerie and Juan welcomed a baby boy, named Kevin Andrew Rojas, on 14 January 2000. The birth of their son completed their family and they continued to raise their children in their Bay Shore home.

Valerie worked hard and saw her two daughters graduate from St John the Baptist Diocesan High School. Her eldest daughter went on to graduate with a bachelor of science in journalism from Boston University. Valerie also encouraged her daughter Allison to follow her passion, and was proud to see her become a pharmacy technician.

She had an ardent wish to see her youngest son graduate from St John the Baptist, which he will do in June 2018. Valerie was incredibly proud of her three children and knew they would follow their dreams and accomplish amazing things.

In 2015, she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. She beat her first cancer diagnosis following surgery and radiation. Just weeks later, Valerie was sadly diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Always a fighter, she kicked her AML to the curb and after a bone marrow transplant and three months of recovery, she was declared cancer free.

In mid-November 2017, Valerie faced her hardest battle yet when she was diagnosed with advanced recurrent endometrial cancer, which had spread to her lymph nodes and brain. She fought valiantly but lost her battle to the cruel disease in the early hours of 19 December 2017. Valerie was surrounded by her family at the time of her passing.

She leaves behind her husband of nearly 30 years, Juan, who she loved above all else and her three children. Valerie is also survived by her brother, Carlos Armijo, sister-in-law Laura Rojas, seven nieces and nephews and her beloved cousins.

Friends may call Saturday, 23 December morning from 10.00am to 12:30pm at Chapey & Sons Funeral Home, 1225 Montauk Hwy, West Islip, and are invited to a funeral service immediately following the visitation at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, her family asks that you consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society.

—Written by her daughter Nicole, who wouldn’t be the journalist or woman she is today if it weren’t for her mother’s undying love and support.