Theresa “Terrie” S. Hanback, of Warrenton, Va., died May 3 at Fauquier Hospital after a battle with lung cancer. She was 59.

A Fauquier County native, Mrs. Hanback spent her life immersed in the Virginia horse community. She was a fixture in the local steeplechasing scene and through the years served in almost every capacity as a race official.

Highlights of her extensive service include posts as executive secretary to the Virginia Gold Cup from 1981 to 1989 and in later years as secretary to the Virginia Fall Races at Glenwood Park in Middleburg, Va., the Piedmont Hunt Point-To-Point and the Piedmont Hunt in Upperville, Va. She served as the first female starter of a sanctioned steeplechase race and lent her talents to the Great Meadow Polo Club.

In 1996 she received the Master’s Prize awarded by the Virginia Point-To-Point Association, and in 2006 she received the Francis Thornton Green Award from the Virginia Steeplechase Association. Both awards are given to extraordinary volunteers in recognition of their service to the sport.

“She was truly one-of-a-kind,” recalled her daughter Melissa “Missy” Pawlak. “Every time you saw her the first thing out of her mouth would be, ‘Have you heard the one about…?’ At the same time she was so devoted to animals, especially her rescued polo pony, Aimee.”

Mrs. Hanback is survived by husband Elmer “Cotton” Hanback, Warrenton, Va.; three children, Charles Shepherd, Warrenton, Va., Tucker Hanback, Warrenton, Va., and Melissa Pawlak, Gainesville, Va.; her brother, Kevin Palmer, Aldie, Va., and two grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Equine Rescue League, P.O. Box 4366, Leesburg, VA 20177.