Maria Compton-Hernandez
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Maria Compton-Hernandez, 63, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home on April 10, 2026. For five years, she courageously battled a rare neurological condition, participating in research studies and constantly seeking hope in her deeply rooted Catholic faith. In the last month of her life, she was surrounded by the love and support of her husband, children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors. She was born on April 22, 1962, in Kansas City, Kansas.
A visitation will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 11311 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas, from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m., with a rosary prayed at 10:00 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., also at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 83rd and Quivira Road in Lenexa, Kansas. All are welcome to attend. A luncheon will be held afterward for all guests, beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the Hernandez family home-parish, Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 16000 W. 143rd Street, Olathe, Kansas.
Maria graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in 1980 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in English and Education, with a minor in Social Studies, from Benedictine College in 1984. Maria deeply enjoyed her time at Benedictine, forming lasting memories and lifelong friendships. She went on to earn her Master’s in Education from Western Maryland College in 1985. Friends and family describe her as a highly intelligent student, always working ahead of the syllabus and assisting her fellow classmates. She dedicated more than 20 years to deaf education, touching countless lives through her teaching at the Kansas School for the Deaf and the University of Kansas. In 1994, she founded JMJ Products. She started by selling t-shirts and bumper stickers with the simple phrase “100% Roman Catholic,” as well as hand-crafted rosaries. This quickly expanded to crucifixes, holy cards, medals, and countless other devotional items. She saw the early rise of the internet as an opportunity to spread her reach globally. She created totallycatholic.com, the first website to sell Catholic items on the internet, expanding her reach to Christians and Catholics all over the world. The website was hugely successful for nearly three decades before her disease forced its closure. She authored and co-authored multiple books, most notably “The Catholic Mother’s Resource Guide,” “Catholic Answers for Catholic Parents,” and “Women Saints: 365 Daily Readings,” which she co-authored with her sister, Madonna Compton. In the midst of running her business, Maria started to practice Kenpo Karate in the year 2000. Before long, all 9 members of the Hernandez family had joined the sport. Maria outlasted everyone, practicing for over 12 years and achieving the rare rank of 4th degree black belt. She was an extremely devoted parent, always attending the various sporting events, theatrical productions, guitar performances, game days, and forensics tournaments of all of her children. Above all, Maria is remembered as a devoted Catholic, a loving wife, a dedicated mother, and a doting grandmother who leaves a lasting legacy of faith, love, and service to her husband, children, and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Trudy Compton, and her brother, Dan Compton.
Maria is survived by her loving husband, Michael Hernandez; her children, Corbin, Emilee, Shelbee, Mary, Catherine, Grace, and Clare; and her cherished grandchildren, Evelyn, Henry (Hank,) Allison, Jude, Elliott, Claudia, Austin John (AJ,) Bruce, Ivo, Wade, Cecelia (Cece,) Annabelle, Pio, Sampson, and Gemma.
In Lieu of FlowersThe family requests charitable contributions in memory of Maria Compton-Hernandez be made to:
Brain Support Network PO Box 7264, Menlo Park, CA 94026 (www.brainsupportnetwork.org)
Catholic Community Health Hospice (https://secure.qgiv.com/for/hospice-annualappeal/)
Maria is my sister in law and has always been a loving and fun aunt to our children. The cousins enjoyed each other so much. I will miss the times we went camping together or heard a couple of bands together. She was always ready and willing to help out with kids and family. May God embrace you in his arms “Bunny” and know you will be in our hearts forever
Maria was a strong Catholic woman of faith & courage. Many coworkers and students remember her smile and joy. She was a Light and a delight!
My condolences from the Hernandez family in lubbock. May she rest in peace and prayers for all the family.
Maria was my old teacher at KSD. She was a wonderful teacher and helped me stay faithful to Catholicism. I was almost about to leave the Catholic faith, but she taught me so much about it. I thank God for her in my life! God bless her richly and her family.
Bunny was such a light during our time at Benedictine. Looking back on our four years and all the laughs we had in the suites brings a smile to my face, even through the tears. She endured so much lately with such grace, and while I will miss her dearly, I am so grateful she is now experiencing the perfect peace of heaven. Fly high, Raven. You will never be forgotten.
Maria was a Prince of Peace fellow mom. Many fond memories of Maria and her participation at POP.
Condolences and prayers to the family.
Mike and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Maria was a living example of Christ and exemplified everything He stood for. I am praying our Lord comforts you at this time and brings you immediate peace from your grief. Heaven just got brighter with the arrival of His faithful servant, Maria Hernandez. My deepest, deepest condolences.
I did not know Maria but I did know her sister Lisa. I sounds like the whole family is very special’ may God hold you all in his presence and enrich your faith,
My condolences and prayers to Mike and family. God bless them. Everyone all remember her and Mike. You are always cherished in our hearts at KSD. You’ll always be in our hearts.
Bunny was one of my many cousins on my dad’s side – so many fun memories of times when we got together at grandpa Marino‘s house, or visiting at aunt Trudy‘s house. I remember how fun the wedding was when she and Michael got married! She was always such a sweetheart, and always funny and lively! rest in paradise sweet cousin!
Hi, I do know her well. That old my teacher and sponsor class of 1988. Thank God to lives. She really enjoy with sponsor with our class of 1988. She really nice and fun. I will see into haven.
My deepest sympathies w all my heartfelt condolences, love & support🥰🙏🏽🫶🏽may Maria’s memory be forever a blessing❤️
Dear Lisa Compton George and family of Maria Compton-Hernandez, Tim and I are sorry to hear of Maria’s passing. May she rest in peace, our sympathies to all. Sincerely, Tim and Carol Gerety
Dear Lisa Compton George and family of Maria Compton-Hernandez, Tim and I are sorry to hear of Maria’s passing. May she rest in peace, our sympathies to all. Sincerely, Tim and Carol Gerety
Dear Mike and family and friends of Maria. I was shocked to hear of Maria’s passing. Teachers have a bond with students that lasts a lifetime, mostly in memories. I still refer to mine as “my kids”. And teachers have a special bond with each other. Mike, you were such a delight as a colleague for those two years at the seminary. I remember your wedding, as well. I am sorry to know that Maria experienced the rare illness. I admire her courage and concern for others at life’s end. Peace to all of you.