Nicole JAUVIN

NICOLE JAUVIN Our cherished Nicole passed away peacefully on September 28, 2022, at the age of 65. Left to mourn are her heartbroken husband and soulmate, William Baker; and her 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. Friends may pay their respects on Thursday, October 20 at Beechwood Cemetery from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by a memorial service at the Beechwood Cemetery Sacred Space at 1 p.m. (streamed for those who wish to view remotely) and a reception at 2 p.m. Nicole's family would like to express its sincere appreciation to the staff at the Ottawa Hospital and at the Hospice at May Court. In lieu of flowers, Nicole asked that in memoriam donations be made to the Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario or Hospice Care Ottawa.