Remembering an icon

LILLIAN Frank, the iconic Melbourne socialite, columnist and philanthropist, died on Friday, August 12, surrounded by family. She was 92.

Frank has been described by those who knew her as “vibrant” and “flamboyant”, known for her “impeccable” sense of humour and style. A “force of nature”, she poured her energy into helping worthy causes.

She was chair of the Royal Children’s Hospital special events committee, involved in Odyssey House Victoria and helped children with Down syndrome.

Frank was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1977 for her charity work and was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1991 for service to the community.

A fixture of the Melbourne fashion world, Frank opened a hairdressing salon in Toorak in the 1960s, attracting famous clientele, and was best known for her hats at Melbourne races. For decades, she wrote a gossip column for the Herald Sun.

“The thing about mum is people saw this flamboyant character who … looked like she was publicity-seeking, but in actual fact she had the biggest heart and wanted to make a difference,” daughter Jackie Frank told The Age.

“Hairdressing was her love and what she made her living from … People flocked to her, and she realised that, ‘Hey, I can make a difference here. I can do something’.”

Born in Burma in 1930, the young Lillian Jacob grew up in a prominent Jewish family who had escaped Iraqi persecution. The family fled to India during World War II.

Frank was sent to live with her aunt in the UK before settling in Melbourne, where she married restaurateur Richard Frank in 1956.

Jackie Frank wrote on social media, “Last night, we lost the heart and soul of our family. She lived life to the max, without any regrets, and was forever grateful. She saw things through rose-coloured glasses.”

Frank is survived by husband Richard, daughters Jackie and Michelle, and grandchildren Ella and Charlie.