Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Remembering Soraya
Remembering Soraya
Obituary
Guest Book
Remembering Soraya Obituary
She died in a Miami hospital, said Lorena Oriani, a spokeswoman for her record label, EMI Latin.
She was born in New Jersey to Colombian parents in 1969 and was found to have breast cancer in 2000.
Her greatest hits were "Solo Por Ti" and "Casi," both released in 2003 on the album "Soraya." She was well known for integrating cumbia and flamenco music with her own style of pop-rock.
Besides her Latin Grammy in 2004, she won a Billboard Latin Music Spirit of Hope award that year. In 2005 she was nominated for a Latin Grammy for female pop vocal album for "El Otro Lado De Mi."
In a letter posted on her Web site Tuesday in Spanish, she wrote to her fans about her battle with cancer. She said she was sure her life was ending.
"I have not lost this battle, because I know the fight was not in vain," she said. "Instead, it will help end a larger battle, which is early detection to prevent this terrible disease."
Soraya's mother, grandmother and an aunt died of breast cancer, which encouraged her to inform Hispanic women about the disease. She joined the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and traveled all over Latin America to inform women about early breast cancer detection.
Soraya recorded "Por Ser Quien Soy" ("For Being Who I Am"), a song that reflects her experience with the disease.
Copyright © 2006 The Associated Press
80 Entries
Dhany WS
May 10, 2020
Como seria...
jokabel sanchez
October 12, 2016
Mis condolencias para familiares siempre com un mensaje alentador citado de la biblia en revelación 21:3,4 donde el sufrimiento dejará de existir y el llanto y el dolor
Cris
May 30, 2015
Everytime the calendar marks May the 10th, is just too painful
olivia rubalcava
September 12, 2013
rest in peace soraya brave lady
How you can show support
Mark Montgomery
April 13, 2012
I miss her, even though I don't speak Spanish I love "De repente" by Soraya. Rest In Peace beautiful. Mark Montgomery NYC, NY [email protected]
Nick Gamvas
April 7, 2011
May Your Memory Be Eternal!
Alex
November 3, 2007
Dear D.K.! :-)
Thank you so much for keeping Soraya's memory alive!!!!! From what I see here, I can tell all that you do is appreciated by many fans - and even from somewhere above!
See ya!
xoxo,
Alex
Stephani Acosta
September 13, 2007
aunq la vos ya no suene los estadios unicamente recuerden esas noches grandes en nuestros corazones y en nuestra mente 100pre cantaremos y recordaremos cada letra y cada cancion que tu hicistes sona...descansa en paz queria amiga...es dificil saber que ya no estas pero era mas aun saber que sufrias...te veo en el cielo.!!!!!
Rosalyn Ikedife
August 20, 2007
Time has moved on and life has not missed a beat. You have moved on too and thank you so much for leaving us so much of you.
Solale B.
July 14, 2007
We miss you. R.I.P.
You will never be forgotten.
God bless you.
Gabor
July 4, 2007
She was the most temperamently singer for me..
R.I.P. :*-(
Patriscia
May 22, 2007
He tenido la oportunidad de leer tu libro. Gracias por darnos la oportunidad de compartir y formar parte de tu vida. Descanza en Paz!!!
Ricardo Vasquez
May 9, 2007
Que Soraya vaye con dios. Que nadie te olvide. It is hard to imagine that it has been almost 1 year since her death.R.I.P. We Love you
Ricardo Vasquez
May 9, 2007
Que Soraya vaye con dios.
JHOAM GOMEZ
March 28, 2007
SORAYA YO SE QUE EN LOS DIAS DE TU VIDA TU AMOR PUSISTES EN CADA UNA DE TUS PALABRAS. TUS MUSICAS PERMANECERAN POR SIEMPRE Y TU Y TODOS TUS LINDOS GESTOS Y TU PERSONALIDAD CARIÑOSA Y TENAZ SERA EJEMPLO PARA MUCHOS. PERMANECERAS EN MI CORAZON ASI COMO EN EL CORAZON DE TODOS LOS VENEZOLANOS QUE TE ADMIRAMOS
Tina Fonseca-Mejia-Nymon
November 10, 2006
She had an amazing way of writing, composing, and then converting her music from Spanish to English and the listener would never know the difference. What a nightingale! I'm still in shock and she will be for ever greatly missed.
Alex Sierra
October 3, 2006
Solo pedí un deseo, el deseo de la inmortalidad. El me miro y me dijo-"Esta Hecho!" No me senti diferente ni mas fuerte o invensible. De pronto comence a cantar y mi voz ilumino los rostros de aquellos al mi alrededor. Los que estaban lejos tambien escucharon mi canto y sintieron mi alma y mi ser.
Comprendi entonces que vivire por siempre en cada cancion que se anide en el corazón. Mi deseo ha sido cumplido.
alejandra arellano
September 5, 2006
querida Soraya
espero que la musa que tanto amaste
te haya tomado entre sus brazos y te haya depositado en los del creador
tus latidos se han detenido
pero tu musica continuara sonado
desde la mas tenue melodia
hasta la mas destellante guitarra
ya te extrañamos
cuidanos
te queremos
JUAN IVAN PEREZ DIAZ
August 30, 2006
SORAYA:SIEMPRE T VOY A RECORDAR COMO UNA HEROINA X TU LUCHA X TU FUERZA X LO Q SIEMPRE FUISTE UNA MUJER EJEMPLAR.SE Q DONDE ESTAS FELIZ ESO ES UN ALIVIO PARA LOS Q TE KEREMOS.
ATT...
JUAN IVAN
Glory (P.R)
August 30, 2006
Gracias por tu musica , tu sonrisa y tu miradita , siempre estaran conmigo. Fuistes un angel en vida y lo seguiras siendo desde donde estas.Descansa en paz .
Eduardo Nunez
August 28, 2006
Te escuche en 1996 y me encanto tu musica. Las cosas que no vemos son las que nos hacen felices, me hiciste ver eso con tus canciones. Mi hijo Arthur tuvo Neuroblastoma cancer y por eso me identifique mucho contigo. Te voy a extranar y no se por que escribo tu nombre mil veces; sera que no te quiero decir adios.
Pamela Peñaloza
August 19, 2006
Soraya gracias por todo lo que aportaste en mi vida...por inspirarme para seguir mis sueños y luchar por ellos,por acompañarme a través de tu música.
Que Dios te bendiga siempre y te el eterno descanso que te mereces por todo lo que hiciste en vida....
Mucha fuerza y bendiciones para tu familia....
José Luis Torres de los Santos
August 17, 2006
Descansa en paz Soraya, te extrañaremos y te querremos por siempre
José Luis Torres de los Santos
August 17, 2006
Descansa en paz Soraya te vamos a extrañar. te querremos por siempre.
Lily Reyes
July 10, 2006
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tony Nicholas
May 29, 2006
I can't even find the right words. The summer of 1999 we spent working on your record affected me more than any musical experience in my life. I don't think anyone could've spent time with you and not been taken with your infectious personality. Your music has changed me forever. How can I explain how much I will miss you?
suyapa rivera
May 27, 2006
siempre recorda su maravillosa voz
Jesus de Peru y Lorena de Ecuador
May 16, 2006
Nunca habia escuchado una voz tan dulce, y un estilo tan suave. Cuando la escuche por primera vez, le pregunte a mi esposa : Quien canta ?. me dijo : Soraya, desde entonces sigo su carrera y los sucesos de su vida, asi como su lucha indesmayable contra el cancer. Nuestras mas sentidas condolencias a la familia y seguidores de Soraya.........Que descance en Paz.
yolanda delgado
May 16, 2006
Una gran perdida para la musica y para sus familiares, que descanse en paz
Miriam
May 14, 2006
I was truly shocked when I learned that she has passed away.I first saw her in a german TV show in 1996 and bought her album "On Nights Like This".Her music and lyrics really moved me,she was such a talented,beautiful and warm-hearted person who really cared for others.
Wherever she may be now,I hope she can see that we loved her and that she'll never be forgotten.
I hope she is in a place where there's neither diseases nor pain.
I pray for you,Soraya!
I'm sad.
Rest in Peace.
Norma Flores
May 12, 2006
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Laura Sanchez
May 12, 2006
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of a beautiful talent woman. I am so deeply hurt. God needed his angel. Rest in Peace.
GABRIELA ESQUEDA
May 12, 2006
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS MY SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO YOUR FAMILY
SINCERLY, GABBY ESQUEDA
ana brunning
May 12, 2006
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
M Bouquet
May 12, 2006
Our prayers are with you and your family in this time of lost. her music will always play in our hearts and the hearts of the world. but remember she is now singing with the angels in front of god.
Aaron Sawyer
May 12, 2006
Wonderful brave lady. The fight will continue. Your efforts will be celebrated !
Claudia Sarmiento
May 12, 2006
Its such a Sad Loss When someone so talented full of Love and Laughter passes away! But whereeva she may B Now may she B with God! May God Bless Her and Her family Always! May her passin away touch many lives so they can make da right choices!!Everyone will miss you!!
D Munguia
May 12, 2006
My heart goes out to the family. She was a remarkable person. She will be missed but not forgotten. Gos Bless You.
Sandra A
May 12, 2006
My deepest sympathy to your family and may GOD bless you always.
Lucy H
May 12, 2006
such a sad loss for a beautiful lady. Our deepest sympathies to her family and friends.
Lucy H
Laura
May 12, 2006
Rest In Peace...Soraya
Rick VanHoecke
May 12, 2006
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Sandra Navas
May 12, 2006
We'll be thinking of you this Sunday at the Y-Me Race. God Bless you.
Juliza Caban
May 12, 2006
In our prayers we always ask for God to take the pain away. Well he has, she will never hurt or suffer again and as our loving father promise us she will now wait in a restfull sleep for the day when she will wake to a beutifull paradise. May Jehovah bless you all.
Arthur Quinones
May 12, 2006
My God Be With You And Yours.
Cheryl Alexander
May 12, 2006
What an inspiration you have been to your community. Beacuse of your dedication to the cause more women are concious of Breast Cancers cruelty to life.
Joseph Perez
May 12, 2006
Your fine example to many will serve us forever as a wonderful human being leaving behind a legacy and music that will live in our hearts throughout eternity. Your contribution in the world lives on.
EDNA RODRIGUEZ
May 12, 2006
MY MOM TOLDED MY THE SAD NEWS...PRAYERS AND CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY...
República Dominicana República Dominicana
May 12, 2006
mi condolencia para toda la familia, fannatico y amigos
de este gran angel que partio al lado de neustro padre celestial
anonimo Santo Domingo,República Dominicana
J B
May 12, 2006
So young..so beautiful..so much talent...I was sorry to hear about Soraya's passing. To her family and friends, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Surely, Soraya is one of God's newest angels.
Lupe Garcia
May 12, 2006
My mom listened to Soraya's motivational music and inspirational words from a CD she received at the cancer center. Without knowing, Soraya provided my mom with the courage and strength she needed to fight cancer. On December 7, 2005, my mom passed away and is probably greeting Soraya in heaven with open arms. May God bless you Soraya and give you the gift of eternal life.
Heather McCallen
May 11, 2006
May God continue to bless you in your journey after this life. Thank you for what you did on this earth.
To your family and friends, may God comfort you in your loss. Remember the good times she brought to your lives.
My deepest sympathies.
Reanetta Duhart
May 11, 2006
You have been an inspiration to many peoples lives !! So now it is time for you to get your heavenly reward !! we must not be selfish.but remember you for the great things that you have done.
Franklin Fernandez
May 11, 2006
A life like yours could only be a celebration,may your soul soar high for ever in the lords heart.
alice martin
May 11, 2006
My condolences to the family.
Robert
May 11, 2006
way too young.....god bless you
KARLA SANCHEZ
May 11, 2006
When I heard about Soraya's passing yesterday; I heard someone saying " Soraya lost the battle against Cancer". Well on the contrary...I believe she won this battle by just bringing the message all over the world !
Windell Singleton
May 11, 2006
You have been chosen to sing with the angelic choir in heaven.Wow!What a blessing.Thank the Lord for allowing you to be apart of the human race.On behalf of the african american race,"Thanks". "ALWAYS PRAY"
Alissa Peterson
May 11, 2006
Iam very sorry
J. Kuz
May 11, 2006
you are in our thoughts and prayers
May 11, 2006
Thanks for the memories!
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
T. Rivera
May 11, 2006
Dearest Soraya..I've been a fan of your music for quite some time. I was sad to hear your passing. I had the opporunity in reading your last letter to your fans. It was beautifully written, it brought tears to my eyes. You truly were an inspiration for others. <3
V Adams
May 11, 2006
It is truly sad when someone so young dies from a terrible illness. One day all of the illnesses and diseases will be eradicated. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Maria R ponce
May 11, 2006
lo siento mucho de verdad se nos a ido un angel al cielo.descansa en paz . Rosario
Julie G
May 11, 2006
Soraya, We'll walk for you in Erie, PA too. May you spririt fly high and your music live on. Relay for Life..We have to continue on. And, every organization who helps us all to realize..early detection. Prayers are with you, and your family and friends.
Rod & Beverly Colling
May 11, 2006
A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam. And for a brief moment its beauty and glory belong to our world. But then it flies on again, and though we wish it could have stayed, we are glad to have seen it.
Yvette Porter
May 11, 2006
May we continue the fight against breast cancer.
Bonnie Hobbs-Wade
May 11, 2006
As we in Atlanta prepare for the Cancer relay for life and 3 day walk to raise money for cancer, we will walk for you Soraya. We have lost too many mothers,sisters,brothers,family members and friends. We have to fight this disease as Soraya has. God bless and keep Her, because He said He would.
Kathy Woody
May 10, 2006
Thank you for your courage in the fight for breast cancer. Our prayers are with your family
T Ross
May 10, 2006
A woman whose heart and music was as beautiful as her face. You will be missed.
Farewell
Flora Rosario
May 10, 2006
I am very sad to hear about Soraya's passing. I know she did great work in making others aware of breast cancer and the importance of early detection. You'll never be forgotten.
Lois Williams
May 10, 2006
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Stephanie Komen
May 10, 2006
I am heart sick that you are gone. You were so full of life, spirit and music. I thank God for you and your tireless work and that I was privileged to know you. My favorite Komen events were the ones where we packed a one-two punch in the fight against breast cancer.
You will not be forgotten and your work will live on. But, the world will not be the same without you in it.
I am glad that you are at peace now, but so sad you are gone. You were too young and too talented and too full of life to be taken from us. I take comfort in the fact that you will be watching over us.
God blessed us all because the world was a better place with you in it.
Steffi
May 10, 2006
In 2006, 36 year old women should not still be dying from Breast Cancer.No one should. Please contribute in any way you can for research. God Bless Soraya.
Ramona West
May 10, 2006
God Bless You. Thank You For being you.
Showing 1 - 80 of 80 results
Make a Donation
in Remembering Soraya's name
How to support Remembering's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Remembering Soraya's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored