Carmen Maria Zayas

January 29, 1929 - August 12, 2022

01/29/1929 - 08/12/2022

Carmen Maria Cardona de Zayas, 93, of Newport News, Virginia, moved on to her new home in heaven on August 12, 2022. Carmen was born on January 29, 1929, in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, to parents Cruz Marrero Lopez and Juan Lopez Cardona Acevedo of Caguas, Puerto Rico.

As much as she was grateful to God for her long life, loving family and friends, she’ll truly miss the bingo games, music and dancing at the Charter Senior Living of Newport News, VA. Hopefully, there’s an appointed activities director angel in heaven…then step back and watch her go!!

Carmen was preceded in death by her spouse of 65 years (Yes, to the same man!!), Jose Abraham Zayas, Sr. They literally “grew up” together according to life experiences and Army regulations. Born in Coamo, Puerto Rico, Jose was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII, the Korean Conflict (65th Infantry) and the Vietnam Era. He passed in June 2010.

Carmen is survived by their three “Army Brats”… daughter Maria Bernick of Newport News, VA; son Jose A. Zayas “Joe” of Rockledge, FL; and daughter Damaris Lorish (Alan) of Sterling, VA. Carmen (Grand-mami) will be truly missed by her beloved grandchildren Chris Bernick (Leslie); Kimberly White (Nekita); Ben Zayas; Marissa Mulholland (Kerry); Alana Fanning (Jack); and great-grandchildren River and Jackson Bernick, and Keira and Violet Mulholland.

Like many military spouses, Carmen took on the tough job of supporting her Army spouse with an amazing sense of adventure and patriotic pride. While Jose was stationed in Panama, Carmen volunteered with the American Red Cross preparing and canning Puerto Rican-style food bound for Korea. At Fort Eustis, VA, she worked part time at the Child Care Center. While retired in Florida, she volunteered with the Titusville, FL, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 109, where she received recognition for her efforts during Stand-Down Day and for collecting with friends and neighbors food items to stock the DAV pantry for homeless vets.

Also in Titusville, FL, she was a member of the Titusville Latin Club and the St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church. Carmen attended St. Jerome Catholic Church in Newport News, VA. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to any of the above-mentioned organizations. Carmen’s ashes will be interred next to her beloved Jose at the Oaklawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Titusville, FL, in coordination with Altmeyer Funeral Home and Crematory, Newport News, VA.

With hearts filled with love and admiration, Carmen’s family wishes to thank the entire management and caring staff of the Charter Senior Living of Newport News, Riverside Regional Medical Center, and Amedisys Hospice Care of Williamsburg. As a professional team, they cared for Carmen and provided support to her family. Again, thank you all!!

To our beautiful mom … Mami, sigue bailando!

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Joe zayas Jr. Son.
1 year ago

To all who responded with love towards my mother Carmen. Thankyou. Your kindness is appreciated by us her children and everyone within my mothers life. Bless you all.

Elsie Diez
1 year ago

Our condolences to the family. Titi Carmin will be truly missed. We feel so sorry for her loss…..she was a great human being in many ways; we will always have her in our hearts.

My Mom Elsie Cardona, send you her deepest condolences for the loss of her beloved sister🙏🏻

Mayra
1 year ago

Our deepest condolences to the family. Our memories well spent with Doña Carmen will always be with us.
Mayra and Jorge

Beverly Brown Atkinson
1 year ago

So sorry to hear about Titi Carmen! I know her and my Mom are happy to be together with their Papi & Mami and their brothers and sisters that are in Heaven with the good Lord! I have really good memories of Titi Carmen & Tio Jose! Glad that they had many years together! Love to all and our condolences from Titi Bebe’s family!

Janey
1 year ago

Our deepest condolences go out to you and your family from the OronaGonzalez family. 🙏 Beautiful eulogy.