Mary C. (Caldeira) Santos, 87, of New Bedford died Thursday October 3, 2002 at St. Luke's Hospital after a brief illness. She was the daughter of the late Antone and Maria (Vieira) Caldeira.

A lifelong resident of New Bedford, she was a communicant of St. Lawrence Church.

Mrs. Santos was formerly employed as a stitcher until her retirement.

She was a member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union.

Survivors include 6 nieces, Diane Arruda, Sheila Caldeira and Elaine Meehan, all of New Bedford, Sally Lemos of Freetown, Pat Rulison of Naples, Fla., and Theresa Coulombe of Old Lyme, Conn.; 2 nephews, Robert Caldeira of Marion, and Raymond Belli of New Bedford; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.She was the sister of the late Elvira Belli, Georgiana Oliveira and Tony Caldeira.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday October 5, 2002 at 9 AM in St. Lawrence Church. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Visiting hours are omitted.