Sara Compton

Indianapolis - Sara Compton, 72, joined her family in heaven on September 16, 2019 as a result of complications of her Alzheimer's Disease. Born in Indianapolis in 1946, Sara lived a life filled with love and friends. Sara's insatiable love of learning led her on a journey of education, world travel, social justice and an intense passion for teaching. After receiving her Bachelors' degree from Denison University, she was awarded a scholarship to study for her MA in International Relations at Yale University. Part of that time was spent as a summer intern for US NATO in Brussels. Sara began her professional life working in Washington DC as a Foreign Affairs Officer for the EPA. Her heart, however, was calling her to teach, so she earned her MAT from Duke and began her teaching career in North Carolina. In 1976, she learned Brebeuf Preparatory was going coed and looking for strong female teachers. Sara decided to return to Indianapolis and accept a teaching position at Brebeuf where she remained until her retirement in 2009. Among her many contributions to Brebeuf, Sara served as Social Studies Department Chair, brought the Model UN, Academic Super Bowl, and Moot Court programs to Brebeuf. Although Sara earned her law degree during night school at the McKinney School of Law, passed the Indiana Bar to practice, and was offered a job while spending a summer interning in the Juvenile Court system, she chose to remain in teaching. Sara was inspired to create an Intro to Law class, which quickly became a favorite among the students. She was a strong supporter of the Conservation Club and the Girls' Basketball program for which she served as scorekeeper for 27 years.

In her life outside of Brebeuf, Sara was a prolific world traveler, member of the Children's Museum Guild and the Indiana Historical Society. In her retirement, she volunteered at the Children's Museum preschool.

Sara was preceded in death by her mother, Mildred S. Compton, her father, John H. Compton II, and her brother, John H. Compton III. She is survived by her cousin, Chan Chandler, and close friend, Joan Rocap.

There will be a "Celebration of Her Life" gathering for Sara on Friday, October 25, 5:30 pm, at Brebeuf Jesuit. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sara's memory may be made to Brebeuf Jesuit, the Children's Museum, or the Indy Humane Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Indianapolis Star from Sep. 30 to Oct. 3, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Sara Compton

17 Entries

John moot

September 26, 2022

MS Compton was my social studies teacher at Enloe High School in Raleigh NC 1973-75, my junior and senior years. I was also a teacher´s assistant to her those years.
In my Freshman year at NC State (1975-76) I maintained casual contact with her.
She was a major reason why I wanted to become a lawyer which so far I have not been able to do.
She is greatly missed.

Hajin Jung

September 24, 2022

One of the best teacher I have ever met. I will miss her. May she rest in peace.

John Moore

October 16, 2020

I was her student assistant when she taught at WG Enloe High school Raleigh NC. She was my 11th grade civics teacher.
All of this was 1973-1975. She caused me to question myself and hold myself to a higher standard than I otherwise would have. I will miss her.

Kim Gustin Bright

August 20, 2020

Ms. Compton was one of the best teachers of all time, at Brebeuf or anywhere else.

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E. Greenwood

November 3, 2019

Ms. Compton was a tremendous teacher and mentor. I can't say enough good things about her as an educator and as a person. I was a Brebeuf student who did not come from an affluent home, influential parents, a private school, or even Marion County, and yet she was incredibly supportive and helpful to me throughout my time there. For many of us, she was the true heart of that school. Godspeed, Ms. Compton.

Willie Byrd Jr.

October 10, 2019

Saying Ms. Compton was a phenomenal teacher would be an understatement. She taught with plenty of joy and passion, but wouldn't cut you any slack! She pushed her students as she knew there was always room for growth. It's been almost 20 years since I sat in her classroom and now 20 years later I am forever grateful and honored to call myself a student of hers.

Kim Franke

October 9, 2019

It was a great honor to be on the faculty with such an amazing and admired teacher. My sympathy goes to Joanne Rocap at the loss of her dear friend.

October 9, 2019

Amazing lady and wonderful teacher! One of the best!

May she Rest In Peace.

Scott Lebherz 91

Jason Lentz

October 9, 2019

I never had much of an interest in social studies and politics - until Miss Compton. She put things in such human perspectives and helped her students not just understand politics but be passionate about it. Truly one of the best teachers I've had. It was an honor to be a student of hers at Brebeuf.

Rodney Fletcher

October 9, 2019

Ms. Compton was probably one of the most influential and inspiring and encouraging and thought provoking teachers I've ever had during my time at Brebeuf. She will be so so greatly missed.

Dena Henry

October 9, 2019

I wish I was in Indy to go to her celebration of life. One of my all time favorite teachers! I really learned in her classes and enjoyed what she taught us! Ive thought of her often over the years! I went to Brebeuf in the 80s. Im sorry to hear she suffered with Alzheimers disease. The world lost a fabulous person

Hajin Jeremiah Jung

October 9, 2019

Miss Compton!I love you and I will always miss you. You open your arms to help me and my sister to go though our hardest time of life. God bless you. Thank you for teaching me to be a better person.

Vicki (Smith) Major

October 9, 2019

Miss Compton was one of my favorite teachers at Brebeuf. She challenged me and always made me feel as if I could accomplish anything. I am sure many had the same experiences as I did. She will be greatly missed.

Anne Laker

October 7, 2019

Her zeal for current affairs and international relations were contagious. She taught us how to think. What a great legacy...

Tracy Ball

October 7, 2019

Miss Compton was one of the smartest women I ever met in my life. It was my honor to be her student at Brebeuf Jesuit during 1984-1987. She refused to let me think small and always strived to show her students the bigger global picture. God speed Sara. And thank you.

Linda Smoot

October 4, 2019

A joy to have worked along side Sara in many endeavors in my 22 years at Brebeuf. May she Rest In Peace.

Greg Smiley

October 3, 2019

It was my great pleasure to work with Sara during my five years (1991-1996) at Brebeuf. In addition to admiring her zest for learning and her gift for teaching, I was fortunate to serve with her as a co-coach of Brebeuf's Academic Super Bowl team. As a former sponsor of Model U.N. teams at previous schools, I maintained an interest in the event, which was held at IUPUI. Over the years, it was inspiring to witness Sara's dedication as faculty sponsor of Brebeuf student delegations, and to witness the their incredible achievements during her time as sponsor. It was an honor to be her colleague. She will live on in the memories and smiles she brings to the faces of thousands of former students and faculty members for many years to come.

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