Mary Ann (Kane) Snider

Mary Ann (Kane) Snider, age 89, died at her home in Needham, MA on Aug. 13, 2022. Beloved wife of the late Stanley Snider and daughter of David and Frances (Winer) Kane, Mary Ann was born in Boston in 1932 and grew up in Springfield, MA and Beverly Hills, CA, graduating from Beverly Hills High School.

Always an excellent student, she attended Stanford for a year and, when her family returned East, 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.”

Mary Ann married Stanley Snider in 1954 and moved to Newton, MA. A few years later, the couple co-founded a real-estate development company, Stanmar Inc., (combining both of their names) which became a leader in prefabricated vacation homes after WWII and 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.

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

A lifelong learner and art lover, Mary Ann became a docent at the Museum of Fine Arts (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.

Mary Ann was also a world traveler, repository of family memorabilia, and frequent volunteer and philanthropist. Mary Ann and Stanley were true partners and were dedicated 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 on Martha’s Vineyard, 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.

Yet, of all her accomplishments Mary Ann was proudest of her family. She is survived by her two sons, Mark and his wife Gwenn of Chestnut Hill, MA; James (J.H.) and his wife Terra of Severna Park, MD; six grandchildren, Oliver (Yaoyao), Annie, Matthew, Pallas (Chris), Sage (Kevin) and Solon (Emma); four great-grandchildren; and her brother Joel Kane (Sara).

Funeral Services will be at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Road, Wellesley on Tuesday, August 16 at 10:30 a.m. with an interment to follow at Crawford Street Memorial Park, 776 Baker Street, West Roxbury. The service can also be watched on zoom at tinyurl.com/Mary-Ann-Snider

Shiva will be held following interment at Mark and Gwenn’s home at The Farm at Chestnut Hill, 99-60 Florence Street, Apartment 2-B, Chestnut Hill, MA until 7:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to: TBE Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund at Temple Beth Elohim. 10 Bethel Road, Wellesley, MA, 02481 or The MFA Fund, 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115.