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HELEN PENNY TRIGGS
Date of Passing: Jun 24, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryHELEN PENNY TRIGGS
Penny's passing on the evening of June 24 marks the loss of a generous and kind soul who loved and was loved by family and friends.
Penny was the middle of three daughters born to Hazel and Roy Triggs. She grew up on a farm between Treherne and Holland Manitoba before relocating to Winnipeg to take up training to become a nurse. Throughout her life Penny was close to her family, including her sisters Karen (Ken) Oliver and Barb (Darren) Triggs-Raine. Her 4 nephews Jeffrey, Brent, Andrew (Oliver) and James Raine and 1 niece Katherine Raine looked forward to their outings with Penny. For some of them it was a chance to spend time in the "big city" and for others it was to attend their first concert or to go out for a special lunch! She continued to have an active interest in her great nephews and nieces and was always extremely generous to them. She will be greatly missed by all her family.
As a teenager and young adult, Penny used her singing talent to entertain at a range of different community events including community dances as part of a local band and weddings for many family and friends. After graduating from nursing her focus was primarily devoted to nursing where she strived for excellence as an ICU nurse, manager and educator. In fact, 2026 marked the 50th anniversary of her graduating class from the Health Sciences Centre!
Penny practiced as an ICU nurse before moving in 1987 into aeromedical nursing, first as Nurse Manager with LifeFlight Manitoba and later with Keewatin Air. She vigorously pursued high standards of care and training within these organizations and established educational programs to assure these standards within the industry. She was recognized for her devotion to nursing administration by the Government of Manitoba in 1989 and in 2007, as the Vice President of Air Medical Operations with Keewatin Air, Penny was recognized with the prestigious "Wilbur R. Frank Award" for excellence in nursing administration of medical aviation operations. Penny was a leader in several aeromedical organizations. Notably, Penny generously provided her expertise and time to the Canadian Aerospace Medicine and Aeromedical Transport Association (CAMATA) for many years and until recently was the Chair of the educational portfolio for CAMATA.
As a flight nurse Penny developed a love for the north and always enjoyed her time in remote areas. She acquired a vast array of indigenous and Inuit art that she loved and shared with her family and friends. She also developed close and long-lasting friendships with many, and Karen Hamilton and Carol MacKay in particular.
Beyond her devotion to family and nursing education, Penny was a generous supporter of and donor to many charities and especially those related to cancer, epilepsy and lupus. Penny was always a lover of animals, particularly horses and dogs. She was also a supporter of many charities that advocated for animal welfare and rescue.
In lieu of flowers, friends or family wishing to recognize her passing are welcome to donate to a charity of importance to her (cancer, epilepsy or lupus) or another charity of importance to them.
Cremation has taken place and at Penny's request no formal service will be held.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 27, 2026
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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On behalf of the WGH/HSC Nurses Alumni Association we extend our sincere condolences to Penny’s family and friends on her recent passing. Penny was a much loved classmate of her nursing class. She was the Valedictorian at the 1976 graduation ceremonies and also presented the Jubilee Lecture in 2001 at their 25th reunion. She was highly regarded by her colleagues for her expertise in flight nursing. She was a forerunner in this field of nursing in Manitoba. She passed away just one month following her 50th year reunion, which unfortunately, she was unable to attend. She will be missed by family, friends and nursing classmates and colleagues. - Posted by: Carol Galbraith (Friendship Convenor Winnipeg General Hospital/ Health Sciences Centre Nurses Alumni Association) on: Jun 30, 2026
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Penny was a wonderful mentor to me and many others in the aeromedical industry. Penny was always available to provide expert advice..often with a touch of sharpe wit and humour. Rest in Peace my friend. - Posted by: Rick Sellwood (Colleague and friend) on: Jun 29, 2026
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What a legacy Penny leaves behind. She was always a dedicated student who strived for the top. It obviously carried forward in her career and achieved great things. So sorry for her friend's and family's loss. May you sing in heaven Penny - Posted by: Dave & Judy Rea (Classmate) on: Jun 28, 2026
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Penny was my Nurse Manager when I started at Keewatin Air. She was the quality nurse I always strived to be with Aeromedical transport. Her knowledge and ability to share that in teaching others was amazing. I learned so much from her. She was kind and always had a great smile and enjoyed a good laugh. She was an extraordinary person and nurse. She will be missed. Condolences to the family and friends who will miss her most. - Posted by: Dara Sutherland (Nurse) on: Jun 28, 2026
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How sad to hear the news. Penny was deeply loved and respected by all who knew her in the aeromedical community. We shared a love of Indigenous art, though my collection pales in comparison. I remember how she used to support Indigenous artists at Keewatin Air for a brief impromtu art sale. Kind and generous. Smart as a whip. A true leader not only in medicine but as a quality human being. We'll miss you Penny. - Posted by: NICOLE REBECK (Friend) on: Jun 27, 2026
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Barb & Darren & family: So very sorry to read in today's Wpg Free Press of the loss of your beloved family member Helen (Barb's sister). Sending heartfelt condolences to all of you from Kenora, Ontario. From Marj & Paul - Posted by: Marjorie Zimmer/Paul Jackson (friends) on: Jun 27, 2026
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Karen , Barb and families. I was sad to hear of Penny's passing. Far to young . I have great memories of us girls playing in the playhouse with "the bugs ", Penny disliked. Fun times at the farm... Condolences to all. - Posted by: Wendy McCharles ( Triggs ) (cousin) on: Jun 27, 2026
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I had the privilege & pleasure of working with Penny at Keewatin Air. Such a professional when it came to work, such a sweet funny lady away from work. I will remember her wonderful laugh & her easy going spirit. You will be missed ♥️ - Posted by: Dorine Savard (Past co-worker & friend) on: Jun 27, 2026
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I have fond memories of working with Penny in MICU at HSC & Manitoba Air Ambulance Program. Such a kind person, great educator & brilliant mind. Condolences to family🙏🏽 - Posted by: Janet Gatta (Friend/colleaque) on: Jun 27, 2026
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The image that forms in my mind at the mention of Penny, is that grin and the twinkle in her eye, just like her dad. As a kid myself, I was amazed at Penny's drawings of horses. And her voice, just wow. She and Karen sang at my wedding with Barb at the piano. I'm so sorry for your loss, Karen and Barb and families. - Posted by: Pat Sparling (Cousin) on: Jun 27, 2026
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Great memories of our families get together for meals and fellowship, our parents being life long friends. Condolences to all. She will be missed greatly by all of you. Sincerely John and Donna. - Posted by: John and Donna Driedger (Friend) on: Jun 27, 2026
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I will remember many wonderful moments at the Triggs house with Roy Hazel Penny and family. Such a wonderful and sincere person. She will be missed by many. Hold fast to the memories and bring peace. Sincerely with a hug for all. Bev. - Posted by: Beverly DeSpiegelaere (Grobb (Friend) on: Jun 27, 2026