Obituary of Daniele Renee Jeanne Datta

Danièle Renée Jeanne Datta, née Menet, age 70, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends at her home in Vestal, NY, shortly before midnight on April 4, 2016 after a long struggle with diabetes. Predeceased by her father, Jean Camille Menet, her mother, Renée Jeanne Alfreda Menet, née Sevez, and by her two brothers, André Jean Menet and Jean Claude Menet. Survived by her treasured sons, Neil Dominique Datta and Davee Laurent Datta, and by her niece Marie-Pierre Menet. Born on May 26, 1945 in a small French town, St. Gervais d'Auvergne, Danièle proudly called herself an Auvergnate and generously shared the beauty of her homeland with her students and friends. During the course of her adventurous life, Danièle lived in France, England, Scotland, Guyana, and Canada before settling in the US. Along with her French citizenship, she also held Canadian and US citizenships. She completed her secondary education at Fénélon, in Clermont-Ferrand, France, and obtained a Licence-ès-Lettres in English from the Université de Clermont-Ferrand in 1968. Danièle taught either English or French in numerous schools throughout France, England and Scotland. After settling in Vestal, Danièle accomplished an MA/MST in French from SUNY Binghamton in 1985 and went on to become a respected and beloved French teacher in the Maine Endwell School District. Even after retirement, her passion to help children compelled her to become a court appointed advocate for Voices for Children/CASA. Danièle is best remembered for her dedication as a teacher, her sharp wit, defiance of social conventions, and her independent (at times stubborn!) spirit. Danièle had a great fondness for the diversity and beauty nature offered. She cared for plants, birds, and most of all her cats who provided her endless amusement. Danièle was a world traveler, a voracious reader, an avid and talented knitter, and a skilled cook. Danièle's joie de vivre was evident in her appreciation of classical music, good food, good friends, and especially a good, eye-tearing laugh. Danièle touched many people and will be deeply missed but her laughter will always echo in our memories. The family is extremely grateful to all the neighbors, members of Faith in Action, medical staff and care providers who went above and beyond to offer her companionship and comfort. The family will receive friends for a celebration of Danièle's life at the Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home in Vestal, NY at 765 Main Street on Friday, April 8th, 2016 from 6-8pm. There will be a time to share cherished memories. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: Project PAW, 127 Bevier St., Binghamton, NY 13904.