Maria Santos, 90, of Hamden, passed away on June 8, 2018 at CT Hospice in Branford. She was born in Ciales, Puerto Rico on March 31, 1928 to the late Deograsio LaLuz and Isidria Rodriguez. She is survived by her daughters Iris, Aida, Damari Santos, Maritza Santos-Pernal and husband John Pernal, and Idalia 'Rosie' Santos; sons Jose, Angelo, and Moises Santos, and her sister Carmen 'Margie' LaLuz. Maria is also survived by 14 grandchildren; Melissa, Jason, Joshua, Joy, Jessica, Maxton, Christina, Amy, Peter, Alex and his wife Augustina, Gabriella, Nicole and husband Pedro, Justin, and Jenna and husband Alex, 7 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Our Mom was happiest when the grandchildren were around, they truly were the loves of her life. She spoiled them with hugs & kisses and of course her cooking-how they loved Abuelita/Mima's cooking! Her spanish red rice, a.k.a. yellow rice, was a big hit. Mom also made a great cup of spanish coffee. We don't think anyone else will ever be able to perfect her spanish food or coffee recipes, but will always remember how much pleasure Mom took in cooking for her family. If you planned a visit she would have your favorite dish prepared, and took great pleasure in making sure everyone was fed-because this means love in our household. Mom worked numerous jobs to provide for her family; factory jobs, cleaning jobs, and never ever complained-well, not to her family anyway. She was a very kind person, very caring and loved by many people. Mom would take in boarders, family members, friends, or friends of friends; it didn't matter who you were, if you needed somewhere to stay or live she was the go-to person. She opened her heart and home to many and never complained, again at least not to her family LOL! Mom loved music and dancing, she would put on her Vinyl records and blast the songs. She'd dance to merengue, pachanga and salsa music. We will remember how she moved her hips and shoulders; she had a very unique dance style, just as unique as she was. We will miss her. To our dear Mom: God saw you getting tired, When a cure was not to be. So He wrapped his arms around you, and whispered, 'Come to Me.' You didn't deserve what you went through, So He gave you rest. God's garden must be beautiful, He only takes the best. And when we saw you sleeping, So peaceful and free from pain, We could not wish you back to suffer that again. Thank you to the CT Hospice staff for taking care of mom in her final days, especially to Brittany, Ann, Ana Maria, Vivian, Cristina, and Maria; these beautiful ladies took excellent care of mom. Some provided her hospice care, others provided companionship, they will always have a special place in our hearts, we are forever grateful. Also thank you to Nurse Lois and Social Worker Mary who patiently listened and provided guidance. Sincerely, the Santos family. A service celebrating Maria's life will be held on Tuesday, June 12 at 11 a.m. in Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Friends may visit with her family from 10-11 a.m. Interment will be held in Whitneyville Cemetery, Hamden.