Mary Ann Kane Snider died at her home in Needham on Aug. 13. She was 89.

She was the beloved wife of the late Stanley Snider.

Mary Ann was born in Boston in 1932, the daughter of David and Frances Winer Kane. She grew up in Springfield and Beverly Hills, Calif.

She was always an excellent student and graduated from Beverly Hills High School before attending Stanford University for a year. When her family returned to the east coast, she transferred to Wellesley College, where she majored in political science and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. She then attended the Harvard-Radcliffe Program in business administration, described as the first daring experiment in practical education for women.

She married Stanley Snider in 1954 and moved to Newton. A few years later, the couple co-founded a real-estate development company, Stanmar Inc. (combining both of their names). It became a leader in prefabricated, post-World War II vacation homes. Stanmar was later the developer of Mattakesett on Martha’s Vineyard, Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Vt. and The Farm at Chestnut Hill. Mary Ann specialized in interior design of the many Stanmar projects.

She applied her love of art and design to both her professional and personal life. Her father had run a group of furniture stores and, to become an interior designer, she combined the practical knowledge of the furniture industry she had gained from him with her interest in art.

A lifelong learner and art lover, she became a docent at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston (MFA) and a collector of contemporary art, including a large collection of Japanese bamboo baskets and ceramics that she and Stanley lovingly assembled during their many trips to Japan and eventually donated to the MFA. Her homes in Newton and Martha’s Vineyard felt like art museums, showcasing works of original art.

She was also a world traveler, repository of family memorabilia, and frequent volunteer and philanthropist. She and Stanley were partners in their dedication to doing good in the world, with Stanley serving on the board of the American Jewish Committee and Mary Ann on the board of Beth Israel Hospital. Her father, a first-generation immigrant, never forgot how Jewish community institutions helped his family in a time of need.

Mary Ann held a special affection for Martha’s Vineyard, where she made many friends and participated in Island life. She particularly enjoyed events held at the Summer Institute at the Hebrew Center, founded by Stanley as a venue for prominent public intellectuals to discuss timely topics. She also had a knack for organizing thoughtful and creative social events and for easily engaging with her guests and business associates.

Of all her accomplishments, she was most proud of her family. She is survived by her sons, Mark and his wife Gwenn of Chestnut Hill; James (J.H.) and his wife Terra of Severna Park, Md.; six grandchildren, Oliver and his spouse Yaoyao, Annie, Matthew, Pallas and her spouse Chris, Sage and her spouse Kevin, and Solon and his spouse Emma; four great-grandchildren; and her brother Joel Kane and his wife Sara.

Her funeral was held on August 16 at Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley. Interment followed at the Crawford Street Memorial Park in West Roxbury.

Memorial donations can be made to the TBE Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund, Temple Beth Elohim. 10 Bethel Road, Wellesley, MA 02481 or The MFA Fund, 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115.

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