Obituary of Nicole Lucinda Domazet

March 19, 1943 - Grandes-Piles, Quebec

November 30, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Nicole Domazet, beloved wife of the late Boris Domazet, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at the age of 80 years.

She leaves behind her children, Natacha (Todd) and Vincent (Rebecca); her granddaughters, Jacqueline and Caragana; siblings, Jacqueline, Louise (Maurice), Madeleine (Maurice), and Claude (Line); her sister-in-law Lois, as well as other relatives and dear friends. Nicole was predeceased by her loving husband Boris, parents, Richard and Lucille Bordeleau; brothers, André and Jean, sister Marie, as well as brothers-in-law, André Gingras, and Tiho and Vlado Domazet.

Nicole was born in the small village of Grandes-Piles, QC on March 19, 1943. She was shy, serious, and very devoted to her boarding school studies, as well as her faith. Many might not know that she originally planned on becoming a Catholic nun. As career paths often change, Nicole decided to venture to Montreal for nursing school. Though she never had the intention to marry or have children, once again her path diverted. In 1969 Nicole married her husband Boris and a few years later Natacha and Vincent were born.

In 1980 Nicole and her family made the journey across Canada, to settle in Calgary. Nicole continued to work as a nurse and dedicated many years to the Foothills Medical Centre, in post-partum, anti-partum and the newborn nursery. She was humble and always stated she didn’t feel confident as a nurse, though she was very competent, and colleagues and patients often complimented her skills and care.

Nicole was an excellent cook and always hosted the best dinner parties and Christmas réveillons (wow, that beef tenderloin roast stuffed with lobster and her tourtières were divine). She also loved to ski, travel, read, listen to music, garden, and be with family. Her love of travel was shared with her children early on and they explored Europe, the US and Mexico when they could.

In 2008, Nicole and Boris sold their Calgary home and returned to Quebec for retirement. They spent many years travelling Eastern Canada and cruising the world with her sisters and brother and their spouses. Nicole recalled some wonderful times in Charlemagne, Montreal, Quebec City, and her hometown of Grandes-Piles. Nicole also supported and cared for her husband Boris after his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease during those years.

In 2017 they moved back to Calgary, to be with their kids and grandkids. After Boris passed away in 2021, Nicole spent much of her time with her children and grandchildren, enjoying meals together, walks, visits to the mountains and loving life. She also developed a love of Korean films and series on Netflix! Most will know she was fiercely independent, introverted, and quiet and that she never wanted to impose or be a burden to anyone.

In September of 2023, Nicole was diagnosed with cancer in her bile duct. She made the brave decision to proceed with a risky surgery. Nicole was supposed to come home to live with her daughter and family after the surgery. She initially did well post-operatively, but unfortunately developed a series of unexpected and serious complications, which ultimately led her to end up in the ICU. Emergency surgery was proposed, however; in order to respect her wishes and goals of care, the family made the difficult decision to take her off the ventilator and to cease any further heroic measures. Nicole passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family and so much love, as well as the support and compassion of the incredible ICU team at Foothills Medical Centre.

The world has lost “une grande dame”. She was such a lovely, easy, generous, intelligent, loving, quiet, kind, classy, fun, humble, and beautiful woman.

The family would also like to acknowledge the HPB surgical team and the wonderful care Nicole received on unit 102.

“When we lose someone, we love we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind.” - Unknown.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Nicole’s honour at the Calgary Canoe Club (North Glenmore Park - 7305 Crowchild Trail SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.  A second memorial will be held in Grandes-Piles, QC in July 2024.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca. 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Nicole’s family here.

In living memory of Nicole Domazet, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.