Svetlana Frank

Svetlana Frank was born on August 4, 1927, in Baku, in the Azerbaijan republic, which at that time was part of the Soviet Union. She was the daughter of Tina Frank and Vasiliy Kalyagin. Her beloved grandparents, Alexander Frank and Alexandra Plotnitskaya, shaped much of her early life. Her grandfather, in particular, remained a source of cherished memories and deep admiration. When Svetlana was 14 years old, the second World War began. Although Baku was never occupied by Hitler’s forces, Svetlana and her family, like so many others, endured the war’s hardships – including periods of severe hunger. Svetlana began her studies at Azerbaijan State University in 1945 and earned her law degree in 1950. She began her career as a case manager in the State Prosecutor’s office. She married in 1955, and in 1956, her only and beloved daughter, Yelena, was born. Some time later, she chose to change her career path and became a corporate trial attorney for Sea Port Corporation in Baku. She was a highly successful attorney, winning many cases that greatly benefited her company. Her career at Sea Port Corporation continued until she and her family made the decision to immigrate to the United States in 1989. Svetlana truly enjoyed her life in the United States. In the Soviet Union, the practice of Judaism was restricted. In the United States, she found the freedom to fully embrace her Jewish faith and celebrate its holidays with joy. She met here many interesting, smart, and remarkable people, some of whom became her closest friends. Even their children became part of her circle of her cherished friends as well. She even formed lifelong friendships with some of her American neighbors. Svetlana enjoyed traveling both in Europe and across the United States, often taking these trips with her friends and frequently accompanied by her daughter and granddaughter. She loved reading and built an impressive personal library. She also delighted in attending ballets and operas, often purchasing season tickets to share the experience and instill a love of the arts in her beloved granddaughter, Natalie. Svetlana had a giving spirit. She was a selfless, altruistic, and compassionate person, always ready to help others without expecting anything in return. She had a loving heart and truly loved people, and people appreciated her extraordinary kindness. Svetlana was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother, cherished and admired by her children and granddaughter. The heart and soul of her family, she will be deeply missed, and it is hard to imagine that she will no longer share her wisdom, life experiences, and guidance with those she loved.

Svetlana Frank

August 4, 1927 - September 22, 2025