Obituary of Gilma Rojas

In Loving Memory of Gilma Rojas Gilma Rojas passed away on January 17, 2026, at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, NY, after complications from pulmonary fibrosis. She was 82 years old. Gilma was born on April 15, 1943, and grew up in Bogota, Colombia. At the tender age of 18, she immigrated to the United States in search of opportunity and adventure. After a short time in Florida, she made her permanent home in New York, where she persuaded her entire family to join her. Together with her parents, sisters, and their families, she embraced everything that family and life had to offer. She built her life centered on family and faith, with the greatest joy of her life being the birth of her daughter, Bridget. Like her mother before her, Gilma was deeply rooted in her Catholic faith, with a special devotion to the Divine Child Jesus and the Blessed Mother. She gave of herself to everyone she knew. Her generosity was boundless, and she loved deeply and wholeheartedly. Gilma was married to Roberto Bernal, and together they enjoyed a life of extensive travel, embracing the world's beauty and cultures. She was the proud and devoted mother of Bridget Bennis and loving mother-in-law to Phillip Bennis, whom she loved as a son. She was the grandmother of Makayla Bennis, whom she lovingly called "the light of her life." Makayla was her pride and joy. Her sister, Sophia Mera, was her best friend and confidante. She was a loving aunt and a devoted second mother to Nancy Barnett (Larry Barnett) and Jackie Smith (PJ Smith). Gilma is survived by her sister, Sophia Mera. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elena and Luis Rojas; her sisters, Isabelle Rojas and Alicia Pinilla; and her beloved daughter, Bridget Bennis. Gilma was a giving, caring, and determined woman. She courageously fought illness and endured profound loss, all while remaining devoted to her family and her faith. Although we deeply mourn her passing, we take comfort in knowing that she is now reunited in heaven with her beautiful daughter Bridget, her parents, and her sisters. Gilma — wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend — will be deeply missed and forever loved.