Lorena Rojas, the beloved telenovela actress, died on Monday, Feb. 16, at the age of 44.

Lorena Rojas Dead At 44

Rojas appeared in a wide variety of popular telenovelas over the past 25 years, including El Cuerpo Del Deseo and Rosario, and continued working regularly after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. After five years fighting for her life, Rojas adopted a baby girl, Luciana, in 2013, who inspired her to write and record a children’s album, Hijos del Sol. Rojas’ daughter Luciana will live with her aunt, Mayra Rojas, and her adoptive father.

Con mi beba…. Gracias AZUL Merrick Park… Por la hermosa ropa de esta sesión de fotos y las que faltan..! Me ENCANTA!

A photo posted by Lorena Rojas (@lorena_rojas) on Mar 24, 2014 at 10:38am PDT

That same year Rojas was told that her cancer had spread to other parts of her body, including her liver. She died on Monday in her home in Miami, “surrounded by the love of her family, her boyfriend and her closest friends,” according to a statement released by her representation at LatinWE.

“Lorena takes a step into eternal life leaving as her greatest legacy the love for animals and for art in all its forms, her tender devotion to her daughter, her passion for life, the appreciation of all her Lobitas and fans who she loved until the end and her rejoice towards the most anticipated time of her day: a good, fun dinner with her family and friends who will love her forever,” LatinWE added.

Article by Olivia Truffaut-Wong

Olivia Truffaut-Wong was born and raised in Berkeley, California, where she developed her love of all things entertainment. After moving to New York City to earn her degree in Film Studies, she stayed on the East Coast to follow her passion and become an entertainment writer. She lives on a diet of television, movies and food.