Carmen Maria Shafer

Carmen Maria Shafer, 91, of Alexandria, VA, peacefully passed away on March 9, 2025, at her home with family by her side. Born on July 16, 1933, in Sariñena, Spain to the late Ignacio Gabasa and Carmen Benito, Carmen’s life was marked by love, adventure, and resilience.

In her twenties, Carmen met the love of her life, Howard, while he was stationed at Torrejon Air Force Base in Spain. The couple married on August 1, 1959, and shared 42 years of marriage filled with travel and cherished memories. Their favorite military assignment was in Hawaii, where their daughter Denise was born.

Carmen was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother with a zest for life. A homemaker at heart, she lovingly cared for her family while maintaining deep ties to her relatives in Spain. She shared an especially close bond with her daughter—a profound connection they each truly treasured.

One of Carmen’s greatest passions was traveling—she visited more than 24 countries, even well into her late 80s. She enjoyed a variety of interests including foreign languages, antiques, crafts, investing, cooking, and reading. In her later years, she found joy in spending time with family, playing cards with friends, visiting with neighbors, attending concerts and theatre performances, trying her luck at the slot machines, and cheering on Spanish tennis players.

Despite facing numerous health challenges over the years, Carmen’s determination and spirited nature kept her active into her 90s. Though she is no longer with us, her vibrant spirit and the memories she created will be forever cherished by those who knew her.

Carmen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Howard R. Shafer, her brothers Ignacio Gabasa and Angel Gabasa, and her sister María Cristina Gabasa. She is survived by her daughter Denise Shafer-Syrek, son-in-law Adam C. Syrek, grandson Adam C. Syrek, Jr. (AJ), along with a sister-in-law and eight nieces and nephews in Spain.

A funeral service will be held at Queen of Apostles Catholic Church in Alexandria, VA, on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Shriners Children’s charity.