Jean ‘Sweetie’ Hirsch Frank dies at 99; celebration of life planned in May for her 100th

JEAN “SWEETIE” HIRSCH FRANK  passed away peacefully at home at the age of 99. Cherished wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend to everyone she encountered in her full century of life, she was a beautiful, vivacious, caring person with an impeccable memory and a smile that filled the room. 

JEAN FRANK

A native New Orleanian, she graduated from Newcomb College and later married her childhood sweetheart and the love of her life, Charles W. Frank, Jr. The wedding took place one week before he left to serve in World War II aboard the battleship New Jersey. Over their seven decades of marriage, the two of them nicknamed “Chicken and Dumpling” traversed the globe together, visiting its most remote regions in search of adventure – and in pursuit of his passion for birds, wildlife and outdoor sportsmanship. From the jungles of Africa to the tundra of Antarctica, to their favorite local haunts in New Orleans, the pair of explorers found joy, love and laughter on all continents until his death in 2011.

Jean Frank continued to live independently and drive well into her late nineties, living up to her other “The Roadrunner.” She woke up every day with a positive attitude and a busy schedule of activities. On her 99th birthday, she went to her favorite jazz brunch at Buffa’s, followed by a crawfish boil at Joey K’s, with time for a cocktail party in between.

She loved parties, and even in her final days, she continued to host friends and family for warm convivial meals, complete with charming table décor. An athletic and active woman, she maintained the same svelte weight and tall stature her entire life. She was a talented golfer and bridge player with a “head for numbers,” who kept extensive bookkeeping records and followed the stock market daily.

She was predeceased by her husband of more than 68 years,and a daughter Cristine L. Frank. She is survived by her daughter India Frank of New York and a  granddaughter. .

A service celebrating Jean’s life will be held at Temple Sinai on the occasion of her 100th birthday, May 8, 2023, at 11:30 am. Friends may visit the family from 11:00 am until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Louisiana Wildfowl Carvers and Collectors Guild at PO Box 7596, Metairie, LA 70010, or Riverside Park Conservancy at 475 Riverside Drive, Ste 455, New York, NY 10115.