PENNI MITCHELL

Penni was a brilliant feminist and writer who dedicated her career to advancing women’s rights and gender equality. Born in Winnipeg in 1959 to Shirley (née Vogler) and William (Bill) Mitchell, she grew up with her sisters Dawn and Kelli.

During her childhood in Windsor Park, Penni made many close, life-long friends. After graduating from high school, Penni enrolled in journalism studies at Red River College, where she met a boy named Michael Balagus. The two had a daughter, Kaitlyn, in 1983. Being who she was, a 23-year-old Penni wrote to Kaitlyn before she was born, expressing hope that they would realize their own potential as social revolutionaries so that they wouldn’t burden their daughter with “fancy rhetorical responsibilities”. Penni committed to instilling humanitarian values in her unborn daughter so that when she became exposed to the values of broader society, Kaitlyn would be an “advocate of progressive social change.” Penni didn’t anticipate that the social change her daughter would dedicate her own career to would be the cause of animal rights, but she was proud when Kaitlyn found her own calling and was unwavering in her support for her life and career.

Penni and Michael parted ways when Kaitlyn was young, yet Penni managed to excel both as a mother and in her career, modeling intelligence, strength of character, and fierce and unconditional love. As promised in her letters to Kaitlyn before she was born, she brought her young daughter to a lot of protests – for peace, women’s rights, reproductive rights, and gay rights – before she was old enough to know what was going on. For that, Kaitlyn is eternally grateful.

After college, Penni began volunteering for a new feminist publication, The Manitoba Women’s Newspaper, and working as a freelance writer. She became co-editor of the paper and helped transition it into a magazine called Herizons, which soon became a national publication and a voice for the Canadian women’s movement. Federal funding cuts brought the magazine to an end in 1987, until Penni led Herizons’ relaunch five years later. Keeping the cutting-edge, award-winning magazine afloat as other feminist magazines across Canada came to an end was no small feat, and can be attributed to dedicated readers and board members, engaging writers, and Penni’s skills as an editor and leader.

Penni was a regular Winnipeg Free Press columnist for over a decade and in 2015 she became a published author, writing a book on the history of women’s rights, About Canada: Women’s Rights.

After coming out as an adult, Penni developed a new group of friends who became her extended family. She was a rock to many, offering unwavering support through all of life’s adversities. Her large circle of friends are blessed with fond memories of her annual “friendsgiving” dinner parties, dancing at Gio’s, Pride celebrations, summer days at Folk Fest, kayaking on lakes and rivers, and dragon boat racing. Penni’s house in Wolseley was a gathering spot for her friends and family. Spending an evening at Penni’s invariably involved good wine, delicious food, and meaningful conversations that could span late into the night.

Penni was thrilled to become Nana to her grandchildren, Lennox and Maeve, in whom her memory and spirit will live on. They were her favourite people. They will remember time with her at Leaside Beach; countless games of cards, Clue, and chess; and her intense (arguably excessive) fixation on keeping them safe. As Lennox and Maeve grew up, Penni delighted in witnessing glimmers of who they may become in adulthood, admiring their unique personalities and capabilities. She was also a loving and “cool” aunt to Samantha and Rachel.

Penni was transitioning into retirement when her cancer diagnosis hit in 2022, a cruel twist that stole the golden years she deserved and robbed her of precious time with her grandchildren and the family and friends who loved her dearly. She fought courageously for four years with her family and close friends by her side.

Through it all she remained determined, strong, exceptional.

Penni passed away on October 15th. Her life and legacy are a reminder to work relentlessly to make the world a better, more equitable, and just place. Smash the patriarchy. But be sure to surround yourself with love and joy along the way.

Interment will take place on Friday, October 30, 2026 at 2pm at St. Vital Cemetery. A gathering to remember Penni and celebrate her life over drinks and appetizers will take place that evening from 6:30pm - 9:30pm at Createful Spaces (359 McDermot Avenue).

In lieu of flowers you may wish to make a donation to a women’s organization of your choice or to Tree Canada to have a tree planted in her memory.

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