Frances Goldstein Stevens

Artist, author and illustrator, Frances G. Stevens, 85, passed away peacefully in St. Augustine, Florida, on October 14, 2025. She was born on March 15, 1940, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to Rose and Soloman Goldstein.
Frances was born into a home alive with creativity, her father Soloman was a talented violinist and scribe whose craftsmanship was widely recognized in his stained glass, mirror, and paint shop, where Frances could often be found sketching, watching, and helping bring vibrant visions to life. Naturally gifted and endlessly curious, Frances pursued formal studies at the Moore College of Art in Philadelphia and later attended classes at Cornell University.
She served as a medical illustrator at the VA Hospital in Gainesville, Florida, where she translated the complex precision of surgical procedures into beautiful, detailed drawings. Her work was used in medical publications, brochures, and educational materials, seamlessly blending science and art.
But Frances's creative spirit could not be limited. With her daughters in tow, she traveled to England, France, Italy, and Belgium, researching and gathering inspiration for a series of children's travel guides. Not one to let an opportunity slip by, Frances wrote directly to embassies, railway authorities, and airlines, successfully securing sponsorships to make her vision a reality.
Upon returning, she founded her own publishing company - Paper Tiger Paperbacks - and marketed her books in the pages of Bon Appétit, Travel & Leisure, and other national magazines. In addition to her travel guides, she authored and illustrated Karate for Kids and illustrated Yoga for Children.
A talented painter, Frances' oil painting, a 16th century style work of art adorns the lid of what was once her families private harpsichord, but now home to the University of Florida as the concert grand harpsichord seen and played frequently at public concerts. She also created collections of artwork for nursing homes and oil paintings for private homes.
Frances had a green thumb and a love for lush gardens, proudly tending to her lemon and lime trees. She was a passionate cook and baker, often leaving her guests with delicious freezer goodies to discover long after their visits. And she never stopped learning among her many curiosities were Morse code, sign language, and Chinese. Whether or not she had a secret career in espionage, the family will never know but they have their suspicions.
She found joy in classic films, British murder mysteries, and the sharp wit of Sherlock Holmes and Charlie Chan. Her life was a tapestry woven from art, adventure, humor, and love.
Frances possessed a rare and formidable spirit, in the words of her daughter, who survived more than most should have to. She was a woman who faced adversity without complaint, always finding a way to dust herself off and move forward with remarkable resolve. Her determination and courage were an inspiration to all who knew her, and she leaves behind a powerful legacy of strength.
Frances was preceded in death by her beloved husband Randolph Stevens (2021), as well as her three older siblings. She is survived by her daughters Jamie Natour, Jennifer Goldstein, and Jessica Coyle, from her first marriage to Mark Kane Goldstein; her cherished grandson Jakob Littell; and her son-in-law Joseph Coyle. She was also a loving stepmother to Heather Wine and Meredith Stevens.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to those who supported Frances in her later years and will always carry forward her legacy of curiosity, creativity, and fierce independence