Florence M. Compton

Florence M. Compton, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and teacher, passed away peacefully at home in Barrington on March 25, 2026. She was 95.

Florence will be remembered for many exceptional qualities, most notably her devotion to family and friends. With Francis, her husband of 37 years, she participated in the congregation of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Barrington, entertained countless friends and neighbors in their Rolling Meadows home, explored the world, and made the most of Chicago’s cultural and culinary scenes. As a working mother, she was a rarity,raising a family and holding a demanding job for decades. She attended every one of her children’s teacher conferences, medical appointments, and performances; procured library cards for them almost as soon as they could walk; tirelessly accompanied them to museums of all kinds; and encouraged them to explore the great city of Chicago on their own and to love it as she did. Everywhere she lived, up to the last year of her life,Florence attracted a circle of friends whose wit, intelligence, style, and conviviality enriched one another’s lives. Many became lifelong friends.

Florence’s creativity sparked her affinity with her first profession (advertising) and illuminated her second (teaching). For nearly two decades, Florence taught third grade at Queen of Martyrs school on the South Side, where she made a lasting impact on her students. Her classroom was disciplined—perfect cursive spanned the blackboard in straight lines—yet it was also awash in color, books, art projects, and poetry, a place not only for learning but for self-expression.

At home, Florence was an inspired cook and generous host who loved new recipes and flavors. She spent hours in the aisles of ethnic supermarkets and delis to stock her pantry. Classes with the sous chef of the renowned Le Français restaurant led to memorable trips to France with a close-knit group of friends affectionately known as “the foodies,” who bonded over countless meals abroad and at home.

In retirement, Florence was a dedicated book club member, first at the Rolling Meadows Library and later at The Garlands retirement community. Always an ardent and wide-ranging reader, she was a sharp critic who never remained silent about a book’s shortcomings and enjoyed nothing better than finding a new book that delighted her.

Florence was born at home on Chicago’s South Side on February 2, 1931. She attended high school at St. Xavier Academy (now Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School) and completed her BA in English at the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign in 1952. Life and work took her to Arizona, California, and Nevada, only to bring her back to Chicago in 1967. Among the many places she lived or visited,Chicago, with its frigid winters and stifling summers, remained her true and favorite home. Every downtown street and landmark was a portal back to her girlhood and early working life. She loved few things more than a day of shopping in the Loop, often combined with a peek into the Art Institute and lunch at a fine restaurant (where she never hesitated to return a substandard dish to the kitchen). She reveled in the city’s architectural heft, its lakeside setting, and its expansive history and culture.

One of those cultural connections brought Florence and Francis together, initiating a beautiful chapter of her life. Sharing a love of teaching, literature, and lifelong learning,Florence and Francis married in November 1988 at St. Michael’s Church. They built a life filled with companionship, laughter, friendships, and celebrations. They traveled widely in North America, Europe, and Latin America, making time to see family along the way (Florence’s sister Gabby in California, her daughter Kelly in Mexico, and Francis’ family in Maine). Closer to home, Florence regularly celebrated holidays and special moments with daughter Jody (Johanna) and her husband Bill, at a table laden with delicious food prepared by Florence or at one of the many Chicago restaurants she favored.

When Florence and Francis moved to The Garlands, they did what came naturally—they became part of the community. They joined clubs, attended programs,enjoyed the restaurants and movies, and formed new friendships. The Garlands quickly became a place they called home.

Florence will be deeply missed by her husband, Francis; sister, Gabrielle Walters;daughters, Kelly Cassaday (Michael Morris) and Johanna Cassaday (William J. McLaughlin III); stepdaughter, Heather Mackenzie-Compton DiMarzio (Alfred W.DiMarzio, Jr.); granddaughter, Helen Morris; cousin, John Logan (Kathleen); sister-in-law, Betty Walters; and Betty’s daughter, Susan Potter (Jeffrey Alan), and son, David Walters. Florence is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Klementine Wyszynski; brother, John Walters; and son, Paul Cassaday.

The family is deeply grateful to the caregivers and staff of The Garlands of Barrington and JourneyCare Hospice for their compassionate and considerate attention during Florence’s last days.

A visitation will be held at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church (647 S. Dundee Ave., Barrington, Illinois) on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 1 PM until 2 PM, followed by a memorial service, private interment by the family, and celebration of life in St. Michael’s Community Room.

Florence loved color and requested those attending the service to wear appropriate yet joyful attire.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Helping Paws Animal Shelter, Woodstock, IL;On Angels’ Wings Pet Rescue, Crystal Lake, IL; and Mother McAuley High School,Chicago, IL.