Janet L. Compo

Janet L. Compo

Age 87, longtime resident of Farmington Hills, passed away on December 26, 2021. She was born on June 6, 1934 in Detroit, Michigan; daughter of Gordon and Paulina (Brostrum) Mitchell. She graduated from Cass Technical High School in Detroit; Class of 1953. She met James D. Compo in high school, and they were high school sweethearts before eloping just after graduating. Married on January 31, 1953, they spent 57 years devoted to one another until his death on February 25, 2010

Janet was an instrumental part of James D. Compo, Inc. of Farmington Hills, a custom home building firm that she and her husband owned for more than 50 years. With an artist background, she provided the architectural design for the company as well as being the CFO. Janet would come up with the design concepts for the homes and her husband would run the construction process. Her unique visions were often favored by women because the homes had lots of closet space and well-planned kitchens layouts. Janet served as the first and only woman President of the Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan in 1991; she was very proud when her son David followed in her footsteps in 2020. She was honored with multiple design awards throughout the years including, first woman Builder of the Year & Remodeler of the Year, as well as sharing the honor with her husband as Hall of Fame members. Janet was incredibly generous with her time & passion for the building industry. She volunteered extensively with Habitat for Humanity for many years. She participated in the building of 3 homes including “Blitz Build.” She had a flair for interior design and used fabric, wallpaper and paint in unexpected ways to add beautiful detail to whatever she was working on. Janet had a Capital sewing machine for years that she used to sew curtains, pillows, and other household linens, which she used in many model homes.

Janet was very active and lived life to the fullest. She loved to travel, and her adventures took her snowmobiling, flying, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Over the years, she and Jim owned and remodeled 3 Florida homes, their favorite was on the ocean in the Florida Keys. Many of her happiest memories were made at the cottage in Canada that has been in her family since the early 1940’s. She was an avid reader and enjoyed dancing with her husband anytime there was music playing. Janet had so much love to give those around her, she added two foster children to their family, Mark and Eva. She was a talented artist and gifted many family and friends meaningful pencil and ink portrait drawings.

Janet is survived by her loving children, Carole Compo Smith Parker, Christopher (Lisa) Compo, and Paul (Annette) Compo; her foster children, Mark Compo and Eva (Kurt) Cuthbertson; her sisters, Christine (Raymond) Hoffman and Paula Jeane; 16 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Jim, her son David, her daughter-in-law Michele, her grandson Dawson, her parents, and her brothers Larry Mitchell and Dan Mitchell.

Memorial Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 29, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Thursday, December 30, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a Memorial Service at 6:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to HBA Charitable and Educational Foundation – Attn: Compo Family Scholarship Fund, 30400 Telegraph Rd., Ste. 202, Bingham Farms, MI 48025. This assists young people interested in pursuing the building trades.