Mary Jane (MJ) Vance Grant, of Edgartown and Vero Beach, Fla. died peacefully at her home in Florida on August 20 with her daughter by her side. She was 77.

She was born Sept. 18, 1943 in Columbus, Ohio. She moved to New York city literally 45 minutes after graduating from Ohio State University. She loved her career in fashion as a buyer for Bloomingdale’s until her parents convinced her to move to Boca Raton to open a luxury children’s boutique.

She married Gene Grant and they had two children together, Jennifer and Peter.

Mary Jane resided in Boca Raton and Delray Beach before moving to Vero Beach in 2007. She enjoyed traveling the world and ultimately settled on Martha’s Vineyard as her summer residence for the past 27 years. At the Edgartown Yacht Club, she treasured serving on the race committee, keeping time for many a regatta. She particularly enjoyed the thrill of the 12 metre races.

She led a life of giving and was a selfless volunteer for many causes near and dear to her heart. For many years, she served as treasurer for the Palm Beach County Community Foundation.

MJ was known for her love of the arts and one of her biggest devotions was to Riverside Theatre. She relished being a patron producer and enjoyed every step of production, from auditions in New York city and getting to know the cast to watching their performances develop to seeing every show at least three times. She especially loved sharing her passion with her family and friends.

She loved to be around interesting people. She delighted in her numerous book clubs, red wine, water aerobics and the wide assortment of friendships that grew from her wit and joie de vivre.

Her greatest joy in life was undoubtedly spending time with her daughter, Jennifer, and granddaughters, Avery and Millicent. She was a constant source of love and support. “Ami” never missed an event, knew all of their friends and teachers, and passed on immeasurable wisdom to “her girls.”

She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Grant, granddaughters Avery and Millicent Critchfield, and her son, Peter Grant.

A celebration of her life will be held in Vero Beach at a later date. Donations can be sent to her beloved Riverside Theatre.