Helene Marie Pritchard

Helene was born February 18, 1939 in Carlsbad, New Mexico to the late Joseph L. Peternel and Wanda Schacht Peternel. She was of the Catholic faith and had a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. She worked as the Executive Administrative Assistant for the President of Napa Corporation in Atlanta, GA for over 40 years. Her passion was horses and she was nationally known for her equestrian accomplishments. She was a lifetime member of the North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC) where she served as Chairman for the US and rode 4970 competitive miles. She also received the National Appreciation Award. Helene was a member of the American Endurance Ride. She won the Chief Joseph Award for participating and winning an amount of competitive and endurance rides. In 1996, Helene was selected to work with the Equestrian Officials at the Atlanta Olympics, which was one of her most rewarding accomplishments.

In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Earl Pritchard and her brothers, Joseph Peternel and John Peternel.

Left behind to cherish Helene’s memory are her sister, Wanda Irene Harness; her sister-in-law, Ginger Peternel; and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

A graveside service to celebrate Helene’s life will be held Monday, February 3, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Blue Ridge Memorial Park with Rev. Jeff Lambert officiating.

Those wishing to make a donation in Helene’s memory are asked to consider, Best Friends Animal Society at [email protected]

Pendry’s Lenoir Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com