Sally Bennett Segall, born Simone Sylvia Bennett, died at home in Warren, R.I. on May 16.

She had a gravitational attraction all her own and loved people, the arts, the outdoors and a good meal. For Sally, life was about forging and maintaining relationships, engaging intellectually and physically with the world around us and enjoying the finer things the world has to offer.

Sally travelled from an early age. She was born in Harrogate, England, grew up in Winchester, Va. and lived in Iowa City, Syracuse, Nairobi, Kampala, Florence, Strasbourg, London, West Tisbury and Warren, R.I. during her adult life. In each of those places, she created a community of friends and neighbors who shared her passion for enjoying what the world had to offer.

The Vineyard was a special place for her. Like so many people, she first vacationed and then retired there, living for 14 years in West Tisbury and becoming an active member of the community, including volunteering at the library. She forged a community of year-round and repeat visitors, bringing people together for cocktails on the deck and meals that showed off the Vineyard’s local seafood and produce. She loved the Island’s natural beauty and could be found on Lambert’s Cove Beach, walking through its many preserves and trails, or gardening in her own backyard.

Sally was a writer and a fierce defender of the arts. She taught English at Syracuse University and was coordinator of the creative writing program there. She published her poems, essays and short stories in numerous journals and published an autobiography, The Immigrant, in 2013. She believed strongly that an understanding of theater, literature, music and fine arts made us better people and she never missed an opportunity to encourage their appreciation.

She was an avid gardener and tennis player, and rarely missed an opportunity for a good walk. Wherever she lived, flowers, vegetables and herbs were sure to be cultivated. She appreciated the feel, taste and smell of the natural world.

She was an excellent cook and appreciated a good meal more than most. She used her culinary skills to bring people together, extending dinner invitations to friends and family wherever she lived. Through good food and the conversation that followed, she connected with others.

Sally is survived by her husband of 56 years, Marshall H. Segall; sister Janine Moden; daughter Diane O. Block and her husband Benjamin Block; son Edward B. Wilson and his wife Marti Wilson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is also survived by other dearly-loved family including her stepdaughter BK Segall, niece Nicola Bennett and her son Joe Reed, grandchildren Noah Block, Claire and Christopher Wilson and Ryan Segall, “baby-dog” Spencer and many lifelong friends.

She was predeceased by her brother Kemys Bennett.

Her family will hold a private memorial service.