Funeral Mass for Helen B. Pretorius

Helen Benke Pretorius

January 28, 1923 – October 17, 2020

Mrs. Helen Benke Pretorius, our beloved mother, passed away on October 17, 2020. Her kindness and bright life will be greatly missed. She was born January 28, 1923 and was the wife of Thomas H. Pretorius and daughter of Frank and Marie Benke of Roswell, New Mexico. She grew up in Roswell, N.M. during the great depression. Helen worked 20 years as a Federal Civilian employee with experience as a Personnel Management Specialist in Washington, D.C. She was a devout Catholic and member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband Thomas H. Pretorius of Plano. She is the last surviving sibling, preceded in death by A.J. Benke of Bogalosa, LA.; Frank Benke of Pittsburg, PA; Alice Hoffman of Plano, TX; Bertha Gosciewski of Renton WA; Dorothy Brewington of Roswell, N.M; Sylvester Benke, Regina Benke, Zita Crowder and Mary Ann Benke.

Helen was happily married for 59 years to Thomas H. Pretorius. Helen’s life included many moves across the country due to her husband’s work which enabled her to leave a legacy of love and friendship in many different places.

Survivors include sons Harold T. Pretorius, MD, PhD. and wife Rosa M. Robles, MD of Cincinnati, OH; R. Gerald Pretorius, MD and wife Kate Turnbull Pretorius of Redlands, CA; Mark E. Pretorius, MD and wife Laurie Pretorius of Plano, TX; James F. Pretorius, MD of Potter Valley, CA; daughter Dolores H. Pretorius MD of Del Mar, CA and step-son Thomas H. Pretorius of Medford, OR. She dearly loved her thirteen grandchildren Marc, Carl, Sally, Mathew, Jo, Grace, Miles, Novella, Tanya, Kate, Kelly, David and Shawn. Helen was also blessed with thirteen great grandchildren and twenty-four nieces and nephews.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 29th at 11:30pm at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton In the church with Fr. Bruce Bradley presiding.  The graveside services will be held at Dallas-FW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas, 75236 at 1:30 PM on October 30, 2020. Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic attendance is limited.

If desired, please donate to your charity of choice in Helen’s name