TIFTON — Swaran Kumari Phatak, 81, of Tifton died at her residence on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009. A traditional Hindu service will be held at 3 p.m., Tuesday in the chapel of Albritton-Beaumont Funeral Directors. The family will receive friends from 7 until 9 p.m. Monday at Albritton-Beaumont Funeral Directors.
Born on Dec. 8, 1927 in New Delhi, India, Mrs. Phatak was the only child of the late Mr. Pritam Das and Mrs. Krishna Devi.
Mrs. Phatak was educated in New Delhi, receiving a B.A. degree from Punjab University, India. She completed her masters degree in library science from London Polytechnic, London, England. Mrs. Phatak worked as a librarian in New Delhi - Delhi Public Library, British Council Library and U.S. Library of Congress Book Procurement Center. She also worked in the London Public Library, England. She was a librarian in Port of Spain, West Indies. She was visiting librarian in Rochester Public Library, Rochester, N.Y. In Ontario, Canada she was a children’s librarian in Kitchener Public Library; chief librarian, in Preston Public Library; and deputy chief librarian, in Waterloo Public Library.
Mrs. Phatak came to Tifton with her husband and two children, Kush and Sharmila, in 1975, from Ontario, Canada. Her husband’s work as an associate professor at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station, University of Georgia, brought them to South Georgia. Mrs. Phatak was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. Mrs. Phatak loved to knit. She made numerous Christmas stockings and snowmen among other items, for several years. It gave her great joy to make these for so many families over the years.
Mrs. Phatak is survived by her husband, Sharad C. Phatak of Tifton, her son, Kush Phatak of Warner Robins and her daughter and son-in-law, Sharmila and Michael Chitwood of Tifton. Survivors also include her grandchildren, Brandon, Austin, Drew and Blake Chitwood of Tifton and Hunter and Colt Phatak of Warner Robins.
You may sign the registry at www.albritton-beaumontfuneralhome.com.
Albritton-Beaumont Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.
