Barbara Compiani Mitrione

Barbara Compiani Mitrione, 73, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2024 with her husband and girls by her side following a valiant 28-month battle with brain cancer.

Barbara was born on February 9, 1951 in New York, New York. She loved growing up in Manhattan on the same block with many of her relatives and was the only girl out of the ten cousins on that block, which contributed to both her resilience as well as her closeness with her family. She was proud to be a graduate of Dominican Academy, a prestigious all-girls Catholic high school in midtown Manhattan, where she made lifelong friends she considered the sisters she never had. She earned her undergraduate degree from Fordham University, where she met her dedicated husband of 49 years, Michael Mitrione. She went on to earn her J.D. at St. John’s University.

Barbara and Michael relocated from New York to Palm Beach Gardens in June 1979, where they raised their two daughters, RaeAnn and Stephanie. Barbara had a long successful career as a Board Certified civil appellate attorney with two of the most prominent appellate law firms in Florida. In addition to being a well-respected attorney, Barbara excelled in her role as a mom. She was the most present mother, always finding time to drive her daughters to and from school daily and all their countless activities, even if that meant reading a brief while waiting in the car or staying up extra late at night. As time went on, this relationship grew into the best of friendships.

After retiring in 2011, Barbara turned to her lifelong passion for art history and became a docent at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, where she enjoyed immersing herself in the art environment, giving tours, mentoring new docent candidates, and making so many wonderful friends. She dedicated countless hours to this “retirement” role and even served a term as Docent Council Chair. She loved every minute of her time at the Norton, particularly the school tours and the interesting questions she’d receive from the students.

Barbara’s most favorite role was that of a grandmother. Spending time with her grandson, Bennett, and granddaughter, Kaylie, was her greatest joy. She dedicated several days a week to watching her grandkids for many years, walking to the playground, singing songs, having dance parties, doing school pick-ups, having sleepovers and spoiling them every chance she got. She was the best “Baba” and truly had a one-of-a-kind special bond with them.

Those who knew her well would wear purple anytime they’d see her in February and green in March, as she did every day during those months to celebrate her February (amethyst) birthday and the Irish part of her heritage for St. Patrick’s Day. Although, even beyond those months, she had the most impeccable style and elegance, always flawlessly put together no matter what the occasion.

Barbara’s dedication to her family and friends was unparalleled. She was the heart of her family and always made everyone feel welcomed and loved. She was the best at sending cards for every birthday and special occasions and kept in touch with every distant relative and friend throughout her life. She certainly made a mark on many lives and will be deeply missed.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret (Peggy) and Aldo Compiani. She is survived by her husband, Michael Mitrione; daughters, RaeAnn and Stephanie (Ryan Dinsdale); grandchildren, Bennett and Kaylie; her brother, Frank Compiani (Marguerite); and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Howard-Quattlebaum Funeral Home in North Palm Beach, followed by a Funeral Mass on Monday, October 28, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Palm Beach Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Barbara’s name to the Norton Museum of Art or Dominican Academy.