Helen Mary Audrey Weichel

March 26th, 1933 - November 1st, 2025.

Helen passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, at Empress Gardens. Helen was a devoted wife to Richard Weichel (predeceased) for over 65 years, mother to Gregory and Thomas (Debra), nana to Colby (Ryan Samyn), Riley and Jackson. Great grandmother to Jocelyn Alexandra Samyn (daughter of Colby and Ryan), sister of Adrienne O'Reilly (predeceased), William O'Reilly (predeceased), Ave Marie Warren (predeceased), Rosemary Osler, and aunt to her many nieces and nephews.

Mom was a retired nurse from Peterborough Civic Hospital where she worked in the "Emerg" department as well as many other areas while also representing her nurse’s union. Helen was the first recipient of the James McNabb Award, which recognized community volunteer efforts of hospital staff.

She became a Cubmaster for Pack 17 St. Alban's Church in Peterborough in the 60's and early 70's. She later volunteered in 1970 for the Peterborough Recreational Association and worked her way to President and Chair of the Ontario Recreation Association. She believed that recreational opportunities are essential for people of all ages and was an advocate for the middle-aged and seniors. She pushed for equality in terms of allocation of sport facilities and resources, giving girls and women the same opportunities to participate as boys and men. Mom had a long tenure with Participaction Peterborough, an organization dedicated to raising the level of personal fitness in Peterborough and surrounding area. She loved working with her fellow committee members and was proud of their promotion of existing fitness activities in local schools (drop-in centers) including Trent University and Fleming College.

In 1977, the City of Peterborough recognized Helen's unmatched efforts in the promotion of fitness and recreation, bestowing upon her its Award of Merit.

In 2018, mom received the Pathway of Fame Community Betterment Award for her many years of community service.

Mom loved growing up on the family farm in Drayton, Ontario. She respected our pioneers of this great land and would always talk about those who contributed. She didn't have a lot of patience for those who didn't. She practiced what she preached.

She will be greatly missed and has been missed for some time suffering from dementia. Mom would be greatly appreciative of the tremendous care she received at Empress Gardens, especially the 4th floor nurses and staff. We would also like to thank Dr. Doug Turner and his gatekeeper Carol for decades of tireless care.

Family and Friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Comstock-Kaye Life Celebration Centre, 356 Rubidge Street on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 2:00 pm. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.comstockkaye.com.