HELENE PRINGLE SCHULZ

HELENE PRINGLE SCHULZ, 82

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Helene Pringle Schulz, 82, died on July 8, 2015, of natural causes at her residence in the Givens Estate Community, in Asheville, NC.
She was predeceased by her husband H.E. 'Bert' Schulz (2009). Helene is survived by her six grandchildren and four children Beth Schulz (Asheville, NC), Paul Schulz (Winter Haven, FL), Carla S. Hardy (W. Marvin Hardy IV, Orlando, FL), Laura S. Bourne (David Bourne, Asheville, NC).
Helene titled her life's written memoirs as 'That Rare Thing - A Happy Childhood.' In her own words, Helene wrote '...my story is one of a child growing up in NYC during the Great Depression and WW II with parents who had little to come and go on but who were well-stocked in unconditional love.'
Helene was born in Rego Park, NY, and attended high school in East Williston, Long Island, NY. Her love of theatre, music, and reading took root in her early years. As the first to attend college in her family, Helene went to Smith College in Northampton MA (1949-1953.) She majored in English and was hired for her scholarship assistance to ring the bells on Smith's campus each Sunday evening for 5 p.m. Vespers, thus gaining the nickname 'Jingles' Pringle.
After college, Helene spent a year working for CBS in NYC in the research department while attending Columbia's Teacher College for a Masters in English. She then taught high school English in Tenafly, NJ, until she met and married Bert Schulz in 1957. Helene and Bert spent their 52 married years together in Winter Haven, FL.
Seeing a need for children to have theatre experiences, Helene and a few friends started 'Friendly Players,' a theatre troupe which toured the local elementary schools. Laughter, appreciation and interest took root, and Helene's vision and enthusiasm for children's theatre programs were contagious.
As her children were growing up, Helene became engaged as a volunteer in numerous ways. She contributed eighteen years of leadership developing theatre productions and classes for children and youth through Theatre Winter Haven.
Once her own children were grown, Helene returned to her profession of teaching various courses including French, English, Humanities and English Literature at Polk State (Community) College for sixteen years. Helene was also an active member and volunteer at First Presbyterian Church, Polk Community College Partners with the Community, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Meals On Wheels and Girls Inc.
In her retired years, Helene developed 'Cameo' classes; a community round table course which she taught at local public libraries. The class helped others to learn to write their life stories and memoirs. Helene wrote, 'We may not be saints or poets, but our memoirs are a way of realizing life as we have lived it....I share my memoirs with my loved ones, hoping you can sense the richness of my life...being surrounded by love, protection and remarkable opportunities even in unsteady times. May it also be with you.'
Helene's vibrant, creative personality and unconditional love extended God's grace to all whom she met. She will be remembered for being present, available and engaged with all who knew her and as an advocate to better the lives of the underserved. With a posture of humility and gratitude, Helene Pringle Schulz lived a life evident that she thought of others before herself.
The Schulz Family would like to thank the staff and employees at Givens Health Center, Home Instead Senior Care, and Care Partners Hospice for their love and commitment to Helene.
An Asheville service will be held at 2:00 p.m., July 14th, at the Wood Assisted Living Center Chapel at Givens Estate. A Winter Haven service will be held at 10:00 a.m., August 15th, at the First Presbyterian Church.
The Schulz Family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent in Helene's memory to one of the following: The ARC of NC ( www.arcnc.org /helene), Polk State College Foundation Winter Haven, FL, ( www.foundation.polk.edu ) or First Presbyterian Church, 637 6th St NW, Winter Haven, FL, 33881.
Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent through the website
www.morrisfamilyfuneralhome.com.