Claudia Santos Silva, born November 19, 1937, died on Sunday, January 22, 2012 at Skyview Rehabilitation Center, Wallingford, after a long illness. A lifelong resident of New Haven, she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Teresa (Fernandes) Santos. Claudia attended school in New Haven and was a graduate of Wilbur Cross High School.  Early in her life, she worked for Metcalf’s Drug Store and Horwitz Brothers prior to going into business for herself.  She was a very successful and self-trained seamstress, interior decorator and caterer. A lifetime member of St. Martin de Porres Church, Claudia was a former member of the Ladies Guild and shared her talent and love for sewing by making various items for the church. She was a member of the Bridgeport Cape Verdean Women’s Club and was honored by them on several occasions for her love and support of people and her commitment to the community.  Claudia was also a very active member of the former New Haven Cape Verdean Club. She leaves to mourn her passing, her son, Daniel (Robin) Silva of Hamden, CT; special goddaughter, Rosa Edwards of New Haven, CT; her siblings, Rose Santos of New Haven, CT , Elizabeth (David) Lewis of Charlotte, NC, Dan (Margie) Santos of Hamden, CT, Mary Santos of Lithonia, GA, Michael (Verniece) Santos of Wallingford, CT, Teresa Jones of West Haven, CT, Gloria Goode of Turnersville, NJ and Joan Kelley of Charlotte, NC; nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a son, Gordon Silva and a sister, Frances Santos Jackson. Calling hours will be at Celentano Funeral Home, 424 Elm Street, New Haven on Sunday, January 29 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.  A service celebrating her life will take place on Monday, January 30 at 10 a.m. at St. Martin de Porres Church, 136 Dixwell Avenue, New Haven. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Fr. McGivney Cancer Center, St. Raphael's Hospital, 1450 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06511