Gail Wright Goltra died peacefully on April 17, ending a 22-year battle with cancer. She was 73.

Gail was an art historian following an interest that started in childhood watching her father, Frank C. Wright, who was a well-known artist. Upon graduating from Brown in 1964 she went on to study with Julius Held in Vienna, then archeology in Athens, and finally Japanese art and architecture in Kyoto. Part of her time in Japan was spent living in a monastery on the Ise peninsula. Although Northern Renaissance was her favorite period, Michelangelo was her favorite artist. Going beyond his art she discovered he was also a brilliant real estate investor owning 23 vineyards, olive groves and rental properties in the Florentine vicinity at the time of his death.

Gail spent summers from 1945 to the present sailing in Edgartown. An avid racer, she won the Edgartown Yacht Club Commodore’s Cup in 1960.

In June 1982 she married Peter Goltra of Middleburg, Va. Upon exiting the church the newlyweds were cheered by hundreds of thousands of peace marchers walking up Fifth avenue.

Gail was actively interested in the work of the Venerable Order of St. John of Jerusalem at its eye hospital in East Jerusalem. She made over 10 trips there and two to the Order’s ophthalmic clinic in Gaza. She was made a Dame of the Order by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999 to recognize her support and commitment.

Gail is survived by her husband, Peter, her two stepsons Tad and Alexis, their children Phoebe, Wells, Charlotte and Josie, and her sister Gill Bentley.

A graveside service will be held on May 23 at 3 p.m. in the New Westside Cemetery in Edgartown