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
Donna Achimov
Renee Courville
My deepest condolences to Bill and family. My thoughts are with you in this difficult time.
John F
Dearest Nicole, I cherish the day we met in 2016, the world was a better place with you in it and I shall always remember you every time i have key lime pie. I will always remember you glowing smile and your solution oriented personality. My sorrow is immense but i am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet and share moments and memories with. Thank you and my heart goes out to everyone who knew Nicole, especially her dear Bill, Laure Émilie Pitfield (Sarah), Weldon Pitfield, and Anthony Pitfield (Caitlin), step-children Gregory Baker (Julia), Michael Baker (Amanda) and Stephen Baker, and her six lovely grandchildren Rylan, Jack, Aurora, Ella, Eléonore and Catherine.
Lyse Ricard et Jean-Pierre
J'ai eu la chance de connaitre Nicole . Je me souviendrai toujours de sa joie de vivre contagieuse , de son sourire sincère , de sa bienveillance , ainsi que de cet optimisme et de cet enthousiasme qui l'habitait . Bill , nous vous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances , à toi et ta famille .
FRANCINE RACETTE
J'ai enseigné à Nicole en 4e année à l'école Ste-Geneviève. C'était une élève brillante qui avait composé une petite pièce pour le spectacle de Noël de l'école.
Tina Namiesniowski
Bill. Wishing you much courage, strength and love as you deal with Nicole’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you and yours in the days and weeks to come.
Chantal Proulx
Bill, please accept my deep and heartfelt condolences. It was a true pleasure to know Nicole. She was a class act.
Marylise CORTHIER
Renée,Lucie, Josée ,
et à toute votre famille , au mari de Nicole, à tous, je tiens à adresser mes plus sincères condoléances pour la perte cruelle que vous avez subie . Nicole est partie bien trop tôt .
Elle était, pour moi, dans les années ...70, une lumineuse et radieuse constellation qui éclairait par ses lettres et ses photos ma morne enfance champenoise et rurale . J'ai pu la revoir , des années après le séjour dans mon village, à Ottawa , alors qu'elle venait de fonder sa famille et commençait sa carrière charismatique, nul doute qu'elle a pu contribuer au bien-être et au bonheur de nombre de ses concitoyens, avec cette immense générosité que j'admirais . Son éclatant sourire reste gravé dans nos cœurs .
Croyez en ma profonde affliction et en mon amitié.
Marylise Corthier
Kari Blackman
Nicole always had a smile. We had many chats about her family, she always made me feel like I knew you all personally. I am sorry to learn of her passing. My deepest condolences goes out to the entire family.
Ken moreau
Bill and family -I cannot find words to express my sadness and sympathy. As a public servant who worked with Nicole, I learned a great deal from her and I will never forget her words of wisdom when I ventured from career service into the political realm! Integrity and truth were pillars of her work ethic and she ensured that those she mentored learned from her. The world is a little less bright with her passing but I hope that memories will bring peace. Ken Moreau
Bill - please accept my deepest condolences for your loss and that of your family. I had the pleasure of working with Nicole at Social Development and learned a great deal as as appreciated how she wove kindness into her leadership style. Take comfort in your many wonderful memories and in the fact that she was cherished by so many. Donna