Jane Herrick Ryan, 86, Was Elegant in East Chop

Jane Herrick Ryan, 86, of Vero Beach, Fla. and East Chop died at her Oak Harbor home in Vero Beach, Fla. on March 17.

She was born on Feb. 6, 1921 in Bronxville, N.Y., the daughter of William and Marion Sebring.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by two devoted husbands, Paul B. Herrick and Thomas T. Ryan.

Jane was a graduate of the Dana Hall School and Pine Manor Junior College, both of Wellesley, and the Toby Coburn School of Fashion Design.

Her nine grandchildren remember her best for the lemonade stand, searching for sea glass on her beach at Martha's Vineyard, and hosting their pre-teen parties. Her three great-grandchildren will miss her hugs, belly laughter, and adoring smile.

Her three children, Rick, Beau and Jan, bless her for teaching them how to live, and how to die. Jane lived for her family and friends; showering on everyone she encountered small acts of kindness that enriched their lives. She showed us courage under adversity and moral integrity in dealing with the outside world. In death, she inspired all who were privileged to visit her with her unique dignity, elegance, and style.

Memorial services were held at Somerset House at Oak Harbor on March 19. A memorial party will be held at East Chop on Martha's Vineyard toward the end of July. She will be buried at St. Peter's Church in Weston.

At her request, charitable donations in her honor may be made to the Martha's Vineyard Museum with a designation for the East Chop Lighthouse.

Checks should be sent to the Martha's Vineyard Museum, P.O. Box 1310, Edgartown, MA 02539.