Pacita Wiedel (née Dumenieux)

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Pacita Wiedel on October 27, 2026, at the age of 93, just two weeks after the passing of her beloved younger sister, Isabel Hellberg (87).

Born in Éibar, Spain, Pacita spent her early years in the spanish countryside before moving to Germany, where she spent the remainder of her childhood, eventually immigrating to Canada in the late 1950s.

A talented and fiercely competitive athlete, she became a seven-time Canadian national fencing champion, represented Canada at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, and won medals at both the Pan American and Commonwealth Games.

Pacita met her husband, Gerry Wiedel, through their shared love of fencing. Together, they built a successful contracting business while living in Etobicoke. Pacita also enjoyed a long career in banking, working as a loan officer and financial advisor with Scotiabank.

In the 1980s, Pacita and Gerry moved permanently to Muskoka, to the cottage on Lake Butterfly in Glen Orchard that they originally built in the early 60s. Pacita had a lifelong love of animals and gardening, taking great pleasure in caring for both. She will be remembered for her independence, determination, competitive spirit, and inquisitive mind.

Predeceased by her beloved husband Gerry (2023) and her sister Isabel Hellberg (2026), Pacita leaves behind her niece Natasha (Sasha) Hellberg, great-nephew Alex, brother-in-law Achim Hellberg (Celine), extended family, and friends.

She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

In honour of Pacita’s lifelong love of animals and nature, donations in her memory may be made to World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF Canada)⁠.