Mary Wallace de Compiegne

Born February 7, 1932 in St. Louis, MO, KK was the middle child and only daughter of Margaret (Peggy) and John Kennard Wallace. The stories KK told of growing up in St. Louis and summers spent in the Thousand Islands, NY with her brothers, Chuck and Johnny, and a host of cousins painted a picture of a joyful childhood. She attended Mary Institute in St. Louis and Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, CT for high school. After a year at Bennet College in Millbrook, NY, KK returned to St. Louis to attend Washington University and received a degree in fashion design in 1954. In 1951, KK made her debut and was crowned Queen of the Veiled Prophet. After graduating from WashU, she moved to San Francisco to pursue work in fashion design.

In January 1959, on a blind date, she met Henri Adjutor de Compiegne, the greatest man to ever live. They were married on July 7, 1959 and she joined Henri in Midland, TX. Their family soon grew to include children, Joe, Annie, and Elise, and their lives were made richer by their many close friends in Midland.

KK was deeply committed to philanthropy and volunteer service, and numerous organizations in Midland and beyond benefited from her generosity. Among them are The Permian Civic Ballet, Trinity School of Midland, Meals on Wheels, The Museum of the Southwest, Midland Memorial Foundation, and The Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity.

KK and Henri loved to travel and enjoyed many trips over the years with friends and family. Especially memorable were numerous trips to France to visit Henri’s extended family, river barge trips through Europe, cruises with KK’s parents and their children, and a trip around Africa.

Beginning in the 70s, KK and Henri developed a deep love for Santa Fe and purchased their first home there in 1981. KK became very involved in the community, working with the Santa Fe Community Foundation all while serving as a great supporter of many artists and the Santa Fe Opera. Many of their happiest years were spent hosting their friends on memorable trips and growing a wide circle of friends in Santa Fe.

A perfect day for KK began late with an apple fritter, moved on to lunch and Onze with friends, followed by a trip to her favorite club, Sam’s, and wrapped up cheering on her beloved St. Louis Cardinals while enjoying a frozen margarita.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Henri de Compiegne, and her parents, Peggy and John Wallace. She is survived by her children Joseph de Compiegne and his wife, Mindy, Annie Lutz and her husband, Jim, and Elise Shatto; her grandchildren Emily Lutz Sanfelippo and her husband, Jon, Mark Lutz and his wife, Christy, Marie Lutz, Caitlin de Compiegne, Mary Emma de Compiegne, and Henri Shatto; and her great-grandchildren Susie, Ellie, and Lily Lutz, and Charlie and Anne Marie Sanfelippo. She is also survived by her brothers Chuck Wallace and his wife, Sarah, and Johnny Wallace and his wife, Ellen, and a terrific band of nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

KK’s family would like to thank Dr. Summer Merritt, Marisela Gonzalez, Frank Salcido, Maria Torres, and Yolanda Guzman for their devotion and care over the years.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 28 at 2:30 pm at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity. Gifts in KK’s memory may be made to Midland Memorial Foundation, Trinity School of Midland, or the charity of your choice.