HELEN PENNY TRIGGS

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HELEN PENNY TRIGGS

(1956–2026)

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