Obituary of Nancy J. Compton

Nancy J. Compton Age 76, of Big Flats, New York, passed into the gentle arms of her Savior, loving and much loved parents, Donald and Jessie (Cole) Compton and grandparents Simeon and Nancy (Robinson) Cole, and George and Mertie (Wescott) Compton on Friday, July 26, 2024. She is survived by many much loved and loving former students, teaching colleagues, church family, and many wonderful friends. Nancy was born in Elmira, New York and graduated from Elmira Free Academy in 1966, SUNY Fredonia, with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education in 1970 and James Madison University, in Harrisburg, Virginia with a Master's Degree in Music in 1983. She taught music at all grade levels for the North Rose-Wolcott Central School District. The last twenty-six years of her thirty-three year career were spent teaching vocal/choral music at the North Rose-Wolcott High School where she also taught Music Theory and Music History and Literature for Community College of the Finger Lakes in Canandaigua, New York. Nancy acted as Organist and/or Choir Director for several area and upstate churches. After retirement, Nancy moved back to Elmira to be near family and acted as Director of Music and church musician for several Elmira area churches. Nancy's greatest joy was in watching young people achieve distinction in all of their endeavors, especially music. Many of her former students found their lives occupation in some area of music or the other "arts"- education, theater, business, therapy, sound recording technology or performance. Many more have developed an avocation including some form of music. Family and friends are invited to visit Walter J. Kent Funeral Home, 858 Lake St. at Washington Ave., Elmira, New York on Saturday, August 10th from12 to 2 pm. Her funeral and committal services will follow at 2 pm. Rev. Elizabeth Edson Frigard will officiate. A reception will follow immediately at The Starlite Room, 3018 Lake Road, Elmira, New York. Interment will take place in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Elmira, New York. In lieu of flowers, it was Nancy's wish that donations be made to either St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-1942 of CareFirst, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, New York 14870