Soledad Soy Bhatnagar

Soledad Soy Bhatnagar, 80, of New City, NY, passed away on November 15, 2025, after a courageous fight with pulmonary fibrosis. She was surrounded by her family, including her six grandchildren, who brought her so much joy.
Soledad was born on December 29, 1944, in a small town in the Philippines to Rafael Soy, a U.S. Army serviceman, and Luisa Mejia Soy. As the eldest of five children, she carried a deep sense of grit and responsibility that shaped her entire life.
She left her hometown to study nursing in Baguio City and, at just 20 years old, moved to the United States through a nurse exchange program at Newark City General Hospital in New Jersey. It was a bold move that opened the door to a new life and inspired many others in her family and community to follow in her footsteps.
While working at the hospital, she met Dr. Rajesh M. Bhatnagar, who was completing his pediatric internship. They married in 1968 and later opened a pediatric practice in Congers, NY. For nearly five decades, they worked side by side, caring for families across Rockland County. Patients still remember her kindness, her friendly voice, and the smile she greeted every child with.
Soledad was warm, strong, and full of life. She had high expectations, especially for her children, and believed in always doing your best. She was a die-hard Yankees and Knicks fan and never skipped dessert. Her favorite was a slice of cheesecake with a side scoop of vanilla. She had a green thumb and loved flowers, plants, and gardening. She also loved to travel, especially to places with beaches and water that reminded her of home. Her warm smile, take-it-or-leave-it directness, and contagious laugh made everyone feel welcome and loved.
More than anything, she believed in family. She believed in showing up, staying close, and taking care of one another. That was true whether family was in the U.S., the Philippines, or India. That is the legacy she leaves behind.
She is survived by:
• Her husband, Dr. Rajesh M. Bhatnagar
• Her children: Dr. Ramil Bhatnagar and his wife, Maria Venus Bhatnagar; Mallika Malhotra and her husband, Dr. Sunil Malhotra
• Her grandchildren: Niko Malhotra, Deven Bhatnagar, Kishan Malhotra, Kris Bhatnagar, Shay Malhotra, and Karina Bhatnagar.
• Her sister, Brenda Hermogenes
She was predeceased by her siblings Romulo Soy, Trinidad De Jesus, and Rafael Soy.
A Celebration of Life Mass will also be held at Holy Cross Parish, 30 Ward Avenue, Rumson, NJ 07760, on Saturday, November 29 at 12:00 PM.
Fulfilling her final wish, a Catholic funeral mass and celebration of life will be held in her hometown of Bonuan Blue Beach, Philippines, on her birthday, December 29.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.