Claudia Golay Darden, 53, departed this life on Dec. 10, 2009,after a brief illness.

Claudia was born in Sherman, Texas, and spent her childhood inBrookhaven, after which she moved with her family to New Orleans,La. Claudia was a 1976 graduate of Louisiana State University whereshe obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in social work.Immediately upon graduation, she worked for the State of LouisianaDepartment of Health and Human Resources as a social worker inBelle Chasse, La., New Orleans and Gretna, La. She retired fromsocial work upon the birth of her son, Brandon, and devoted thebalance of her life to the love and care of her son andhusband.

She is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 32 years,Marshall Taylor Darden; her son, Brandon Taylor Darden, whom sheloved with all her heart and soul; her sister, Debra Golay Edwards;and her brother-in-law, Larry Edwards, both of Houston, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Lorene BrowerGolay; and her father, Claude Evans Golay.

She will be forever missed by her mother-in-law, Marian Darden,of New Orleans, with whom she had the most special and lovingrelationship. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, ArthurD. Darden of Gretna, and Robert G. Darden, of Plano, Texas, andtheir wives, Gina Darden and Sheri Darden. She is further survivedby her nephews, Lance Edwards, Christopher Darden and AndrewDarden; and her niece, Ashley Darden. She will also be missed bythe many friends she made throughout her life.

The family especially wishes to thank the medical staff at WestJefferson Hospital, who did everything possible to make her lastdays and hours comfortable.

Relatives and friends were invited to attend the funeralservices at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home Chapel, 5100Pontchartrain Blvd. (in Metairie Cemetery) on Tuesday, Dec. 15,2009, at 2 p.m. Interment will follow in All Saints Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be madein her name to the Children’s Hospital of New Orleans or St.Philips Episcopal Church of New Orleans.

To sign and view the family guest book, please visitwww.lakelawnmetairie.com.