Beth Ann Saint-Amour died Jan. 5 at Massachusetts General Hospital. The cause was respiratory failure brought on by cancer that she had courageously fought since 2017.

She was the wife of Jay Wilbur and a loving and generous presence for all who knew her.

One of five children, she was born on April 29, 1959 outside Cleveland, Ohio to Katheryne V. Saint-Amour and John D. Saint-Amour. Her family moved to Massachusetts in 1971, and she went on to graduate from Weston High School in 1978. Pursuing her love for cooking, she graduated from Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., eventually settling on Martha’s Vineyard.

She married John (Jay) M. Wilbur 3rd, also of Martha’s Vineyard, in 2001 and they lived in Vineyard Haven for the past 18 years with their beloved dogs and cats. Beth worked at Island Food Products and developed a close bond with those she worked with and her clients.

From the Vineyard, she explored the world with elegance — from the Swiss Alps to emerald green waters of the Caribbean to the tropical forests of Costa Rica where Beth and Jay built their retirement dream home. Her true joy and solace could be found with bits of time spent at any beach, large or small. Throughout her life journey, she shared her gracious cooking, bringing strangers and friends together, teaching about food, but more importantly, about its ability to bring people together.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her mother Katheryne; sister Paula; brothers John and Steven; two sisters in law, a brother in law and many loving nieces and nephews. Her family, friends and all that knew her will sorely miss her grace, generosity, wit, work ethic, the love and protection she showered on everyone.

A memorial service planned for June 19 has been postponed. A date will be announced later.  

Donations can be made to the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital oncology center, P.O. Box 1477, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.