Mary Helene Pendel

Pendel

Mary Helene Pendel

Mary Helene Pendel, 93, died of cancer on March 26, 2022 at her home at the Jefferson. Ms. Pendel and her late husband, David M. Thompson, who preceded her in death, owned the fundraising and public relations consulting firm, Thompson and Pendel Associates. The firm, which was founded in 1976, included among its clients, The Smithsonian Institutions, Gallaudet University, the San Diego Zoo, and numerous colleges and universities. Ms. Pendel was born in Scranton, PA, the daughter of Attorney and Mrs. Paul E. Pendel. She is a graduate of Central High School and obtained a B. A. in English from Marywood College, which is now Marywood University. She was in charge of public relations for Marywood College, Duquesne University, Pittsburg, PA, and Immaculate Heart College, Los Angeles, CA.

She joined the firm of Frantzreb, Pray, Ferner and Thompson before she and her husband started their own firm. She is survived by sisters Louise Pendel Shea, Justine Pendel Arnold, both of Arlington and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is also survived by a daughter, three sons, and two granddaughters from Mr. Thompson's first marriage.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 11 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203.