Lillian Hoban,73, a self-taught children's illustrator and author whose work was inspired by the daily adventures of her children, died of heart failure July 17 in New York.

Ms. Hoban, the author and illustrator of more than 100 books, created such characters as Frances the badger and Arthur the chimpanzee. Some of her most renowned drawings and books dealt with the difficulties of early childhood.

A. William Olsen Jr.,77, an English and history teacher who served as headmaster of The Hotchkiss School from 1960 to 1981, died Thursday in Lakeville, Conn.

Pub Date: 8/04/98