Our cherished Nicole passed away peacefully on September 28, 2022 at the age of 65.
Left to mourn is her heart-broken husband and soulmate, William Baker and large and close-knit family who supported her steadfastly in her final days. She leaves to grieve her three adored children Laure Émilie Pitfield (Sarah), Weldon Pitfield, and Anthony Pitfield (Caitlin), step-children Gregory Baker (Julia), Michael Baker (Amanda) and Stephen Baker, as well as six adored grandchildren Rylan, Jack, Aurora, Ella, Eléonore and Catherine. Nicole will also be dearly missed by her mother, Renée, sisters Lucie (Daniel), Josée (John) and her brother Jean-Pierre (Barbara) and many nieces and nephews.
Born in Rouyn, Quebec, she was the eldest child of Renée and the late Pierre Jauvin. The family moved to Ottawa in 1962 where Nicole grew up in a loving home and pursued her education and career.
A lawyer by training, Nicole brought her intelligence, judgement, and enthusiasm to a career in the Public Service of Canada that spanned several decades and began in the Privy Council Office, where she spent 17 years providing machinery of government, national security and senior personnel advice to five successive Prime Ministers. She was then appointed to several deputy minister positions.
Following her retirement in 2011, Nicole sat on corporate boards in Canada’s north including the Gwich’in Economic Development Corporation and the Qulliq Energy Corporation thus cementing a deep connection to Canada’s indigenous people. She also volunteered on the CHEO Research Institute Board for nine years. Most recently, she led a Canada-sponsored judicial reform project in the Caribbean. In each of these roles, Nicole welcomed the chance to do something new and exciting and to contribute her knowledge and expertise.
Her greatest love was her large and close family. In her own words, her greatest purpose in life was to raise her children and grandchildren with kind hearts, strong values, and a sense of commitment to their country and communities. She was happiest being surrounded by family and friends at her cottage on Hardwood Lake in Val des Monts. Nicole and Bill were also active members of the Five Lakes Fishing Club where they forged many of their closest friendships.
In retirement, Nicole and Bill travelled extensively visiting dozens of countries and fully experiencing their culture, language, cuisine, and people. She was happiest in Spain, where they returned many years with dear friends, the Amigos.
Nicole was our brilliant star and she burned brightly to the end. Her light will guide us and give us warmth forever.
Digital Guestbook
Huguette Carette
Marthe et Gerry Oliver
Nous offrons nos profondes et sincères condoléances à Bill et aux familles et amis touchés par ce si triste « départ ». Nicole laisse derrière elle une vie bien remplie d’amour, d’amitié, de loyauté et d’engagement. Force et courage à tous ceux directement affectés.
Marthe et Gerry
Pierre Cloutier
Nicole fut l'une des personnes les plus adorable avec qui j'ai eu la chance de travailler.
Toute mes sympathies a ses proches.
Morag Humble and Don Hubert
Our heartfelt condolences to Bill and the whole Jauvin-Baker clan. Nicole was a shining example of both professionalism and kindness. We are grateful for evenings spent in her company experiencing her warmth and her excellent sense of humour. We hold you in our hearts as you carry this huge and heavy loss.
Senior Leadership Team at The Queensway Carelton Hospital
On behalf of the entire Senior Leadership Team at QCH, we want to send Laure and her entire family our deepest sympathies. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Amanda
Nicole, the world is a little less without you in it, but also a little more.
Not only did you brighten a room by your presence, you had the rare ability to make others shine through your warmth and authenticity.
The impact you've made on people, especially your family, will radiate through generations. All were inspired by their loving interactions with you.
Thank you for making the world a more wonderful place!
Deepest sympathy to the family.
Mary Anna Ruedl
Bill and family,
Please accept my most sincere condolences. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Johanne Curodeau
My heartfelt condolences to you Bill and to your extended family. May you find strength and peace at this immensely difficult time.
Karen Ellis and Jim Mackey
Dear Bill, Jim and I send our kindest condolences and grieve with you the loss of Nicole, a beautiful soul who, alongside you, blessed us with her friendship and kindness. No one could have loved her with more devotion and tenderness. We send our love to you and our sympathies to the whole family. We are so very sorry. Karen and Jim
Paul Beauregard
J’ai connue Nicole en première année Une femme très gentille Je me rappelle de notre pièce de noël Nicole était Marie et moi Joseph Mes condoléances à la famille Que son énergie soit répandue pour le bien de cette terre !
Mes sincères sympathies à ma chère soeur Renée ainsi qu'à mes nièces et neveu Lucie, Josée et Jean-Pierre. Je suis de tout coeur avec vous.
Huguette Carette