Frann Gordon Lichtenstein

Frann Gordon Lichtenstein passed away peacefully on the 12th of June 2025 at the young age of 77, leaving behind a legacy as unforgettable as her presence. Larger than life in every sense, she had an unmatched ability to light up a room, not just with her impeccable beauty and style, but with her magnetic personality. Known later in life as Queenie, she had an amazing ability to make everyone around her feel special.

Frann was born to Aileen and Harry B. Gordon, Sr., on the 15th of October 1947. She grew up with two younger brothers, Harry B. Gordon, Jr., who preceded her in death, and Douglas B. Gordon. She was a lifer at St. John’s School, where she excelled as a student and an athlete – as a cheerleader and as captain of the volleyball team.

She attended Pine Manor College and the University of Arizona, where she was a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority, and graduated from the University of Houston.

Anyone who knew Frann knew that her passion in life was her family. She devoted her life to her children, Gregg Lichtenstein and Jill Deutser and husband, Brad Deutser, and her four grandchildren, Ashley and Andrew Deutser, and Sydney and Hayden Lichtenstein. She was a constant presence at games, recitals, matches, performances, parties, and anything her family was involved with. And, no matter where she appeared, her regal “Queenie” aura was seen and felt by everyone.

Frann was intimately involved in the retail jewelry business for over thirty years. She was an active participant in the Houston community and its charitable organizations and worked closely with the Children’s Diabetes Center and The Retina Research Foundation. Frann was a driving force for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation as a visionary advocate, leader and fundraiser. Known by many for her fashion sense and glamour, she was a Hall of Fame member of the March of Dimes Best Dressed.

She served on boards of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Symphony, Baylor 10, George H. Hermann Society, and the JFK National Committee for the Performing Arts. She co-chaired several fundraising events for Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston, March of Dimes and Houston Hospice at the Texas Medical Center and was an active parent volunteer at The Kinkaid School.

She loved and was loved by so many and will be dearly missed. Her presence is one that will never fade – it simply wasn’t her style. Queenie, we love you and will always remember you.

The memorial service to celebrate Frann’s life will be conducted at three o’clock in the afternoon on Monday, the 16th of June at Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 North Braeswood in Houston, where Rabbi David Lyon, Rabbi Adrienne Scott and Cantor Kenneth Feibush are to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent Wolff – Toomin Hall.

In lieu of customary remembrances, donations may be made to Congregation Beth Israel, or Houston Hospice, one of the causes important to Frann by selecting their respective icons below under “Donations” or you may donate to your charity of choice.