Mrs Compton was the widow of A. T. Compton, a lawyer who practiced in both New York and New Jersey. Mr Compton died in 1902. They were the parents of three children (one of whom died in infancy.)

Together with her son Alexander and daughter Sara, she boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg as a first class passenger (ticket number PC 17756, £83 3s 2d). Mrs Compton occupied cabin E-45.

Mary and Sara were rescued in lifeboat 14.

Following the sinking, Mrs Compton continued to travel the world but made New York City her home base. She continued to spend her summers in Lakewood, New Jersey. She died on died 4 December 1930.