Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to immigrant parents in 1931, Mitzi graduated from Temple University and began teaching to high schoolers. A few years later, she became involved in the Civil Rights movement, and began working for Fellowship House. There she worked to bring people together across the lines that divide, working for peace among individuals, groups, and different ethnicities and religions groups, and moving society to a higher level of development through education and caring for each other. Fellowship House helped to shape the foundation of her life's work and the principles that guided her: the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Gandhi.

She moved to Denver in 1969 and began working for head start as Executive Director. Head start, under Mitzi's direction, soon grew to become a Child Opportunity Program. A much expanded organization that included a city-wide and suburban program of 65 centers, 2500 children and families, 600 staff, and programs that involved infant and toddler care, after school care, crisis care, and a parent program. It was her desire to help underserved communities have a voice in our democracy.

Throughout her career, she was recognized many times for her significant contributions to the Denver community through awards and speaking engagements. In 1994, she received the first Outstanding Professional in Philanthropy award and in 1990 the Athena Award from the Alliance of Professional Women. She began a second career at the Beacon Center, a youth program for teens in crisis, as a fundraiser.

After her second retirement from Beacon Center, Mitzi continued her activism by volunteering for the Arapahoe Democrats, and advocating for Democratic candidates and legislation. She worked tireless on the previous two elections to ensure a Democratic President was in the White House. Her commitment to American democracy, and fair treatment for all, never wavered throughout her entire life.

She is survived by her daughters Eve Barnes Powell (Ed), Taylor Barnes and sister Trudy.  A Private service will be held in her  honor. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to one of Mitzi's favorite charities: Heifer International, heifer.org Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, coloradocoalition.org or CARE care.com