Shantha Datta

Dr. Shantha Datta, 83, of Vestal, NY, passed away on May 15, 2024. She was pre-deceased by her loving husband of 49 years, Dr. Pranab Datta. She is survived by her children, Bina and Bijoy (Valerie) Datta, grandsons, Ajay and Nikhil, her sister, Dr. Thungum Joseph, and many relatives and friends in the United States, India, and throughout the world.
Belying her quiet and polite demeanor, her life included incredible adventures that took her from India to England to Queens and, ultimately, to Broome County for the last 45 years. Shantha graduated from the top medical school in India, then moved to Macclesfield, England, where she met and married Pranab.
During the course of her career, she delivered thousands of babies as an OB-GYN, and helped many thousands of patients as a physician at Binghamton University, Broome Developmental Center, Planned Parenthood and in private practice in Windsor. While working as a doctor, she also fulfilled the role of a full-time mother, chauffeuring her children to and from various after-school activities, assisting with homework, dominating the family in Scrabble, and preparing home-cooked dinners almost every night.
After moving to Vestal in 1997 and retiring in 2000, Shantha continued to serve her community as a dedicated volunteer with Meals on Wheels and continued to surprise her family by becoming an expert country line dancer. Most importantly, she was a loving and consistent babysitter to her young grandchildren, providing the same kind, thoughtful, open-minded, supportive environment to them that she provided for her own children. She would often write letters to her children, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, letting them know how much she loved them, ensuring they will always have cherished reminders of her love.
This was especially significant because the last decade of her life was scarred by Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia which gradually stripped her of her cognitive abilities. Regardless of the circumstances, Shantha consistently sought out the silver lining, finding the positive in every situation.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Shantha’s memory to Meals on Wheels of Broome County, Alzheimer’s Association, or a charity of one’s choice.
In accordance with Dr. Datta’s wishes, there will not be a funeral, however, her family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, Tuesday, May 21 from 3-4:30 pm, followed by a short ceremony at 4:30 to celebrate her life.
Dr. Datta’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all of those who helped care for her during her final years at Brookdale Assisted Living and Elizabeth Church Manor.