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
Jacqueline Graham
Sanaa Itani
I'm so sorry about the difficult time you must be experiencing after the death of your mother. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope you find comfort in good memories during this difficult time. Please accept my heartfelt condolences .
SuzAnne Doré
I am so sorry for your heartbreak Bill , that of Nicole’s family and yours and for all the sadness Nicole’s loss means for your close friends, Please know that my thoughts and prayers have been with Nicole and you throughout the last years as have those of so many who were honoured to work near you or Nicole. I offer you and your dear ones my most sincere condolences.
SuzAnne Doré
Beverley Davis
Bill, I am so, so sorry to hear of Nicole’s passing. I know how heartbroken you must be. If we can be of any help, don’t hesitate to reach out.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Shawn Tupper
Bill, please accept my condolences to you and your family. I am so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family. Shawn
Manon Langlois
À la famille et les intimes de Nicole, j'offre mes plus sincères condoléances. Notre cercle d'amis d'enfance est chagriné d'avoir perdu une belle âme. Je conserve de précieux souvenirs de notre enfance à l'école primaire, aux Jeannettes, et nos rencontres café pendant notre vie professionnelle. Nicole a touché d'innombrables personnes, et sa lumière continue de se propager au travers de nous tous. Bon voyage chère amie. <3
André Potvin
Mes plus sincères condoléances à toute la famille de Nicole et Bill. Bon courage à tous en ces moments difficiles.
Lyne Levac
Mes sincères condoléances M Baker et à la famille. Mes pensées et prières sont avec vous et votre famille pendant ces moments difficiles.
Gisèle et Jacques Scott
Cher M. Baker, chère Renée et toute la famille. Nous sommes très attristés par le départ de Nicole. Nous vous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances. Nos pensées et prières vous accompagnent en ces moment si difficiles.
Helene Gosselin
Bill and family, I am very sorry to hear about the loss of Nicole. I knew Nicole for many years as a good colleague in the Public Service. I will always remember her beautiful smile, kind nature and wonderful sense of humor. My deepest sympathies.
Dear Bill, my condolences to you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss Nicole, her smile and energy and creativity. So many memories of her kindness and love. I am so heartbroken by her passing and mourn with you all. May her soul find perfect rest. Love Jacqui!