Nicole was born in Happy Valley Goose Bay Labrador, on May the 6th 1970. Nicole`s parents Clayton and Faye Hill had come to Labrador for work from the island of Newfoundland after the fishery collapsed. Nicole was a happy bundle of joy for her parents and her older sisters and brother. In Labrador, Nicole grew up around lots of close family and friends enjoying the outdoors and her community of Goose Bay. In school Nicole excelled at many subjects especially Drama, and music. She took full advantage of the many activities that was offered to young people in her community, and was very active in sports. Nicole became an accomplished gymnast she traveled to many competitions and even became Newfoundland champ in her category in St.Johns. After she graduated from high school, Nicole attended Memorial university in St Johns and eventually moved on to Dalhousi university in Halifax Nova Scotia in pursuit of her Bachelors degree as a Recreation therapist. After Nicole received her degree she found work in Nova Scotia at some nursing homes and eventually landed a job at St. Francis Xavier in Antigonish teaching physical education classes. One of Nicole`s classmates from Dalhousi was working in B.C. and Nicole had told her if you find any good jobs come up there to give me a call. Nicole`s friend phoned her about a job in Burns lake at The Pines Care Home, they were looking for a recreation therapist. Nicole did her job interview over the phone and soon came to work at The Pines in Burns Lake. Nicole loved her work at The Pines, she was adored by the residents and staff and was a fixture in Burns Lake taking the residents to outings all over the area in the Rambler the community and Pines bus. Nicole was a dedicated recreation therapist, she was respected by her colleges and she was innovative in her field. Nicole helped other long term care facilities set up and run a Snoezelen room which is a therapy area of quiet, that people with dementia can experience stimulation with lights, touch , and sound. After Nicoles first marriage ended she wasn`t sure if she was going to stay in the area and was looking for other job opportunities ,but one day she met her husband Tom who was visiting his father and Grandfather at The Pines, she became interested in this man who was visiting his family so much. Tom`s father John like all the residents at the pines adored Nicole and he encouraged them to go on a date to his ranch. Tom and Nicky fell head over heels right away and After a short courtship Tom and Nicole were engaged . They were married on his fathers ranch on June the 10th 2000. The newly wed couple were very active travelling to the east coast to visit family. Nicole was an avid fisherwoman and camper, she liked to hike and canoe also she was a prolific photographer. Nicky and Tom were trying to start a family , but for medical reasons were unable to conceive. Soon they started the long process of adoption. After several years of waiting Nicole finally got the call she was waiting for. A little girl had been born in Nelson and the birth mother had picked them to be the parents Tom and Nicole drove thru the nite to pick up their new baby a gorgeous five day old girl , Emily. Nicole and Tom`s friends and families were tickled pink with little Emily and they were soon Ice fishing, hunting , camping , hiking, and fishing together ,they had a good time showing her off everywhere. Nicole would bring her to the Pines as much as possible to let the residents enjoy her little girl.
Nicole was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer in April of 2010 she fought this terrible disease with courage and grace. Tom never left her side caring for her thru the long battle and he was with her holding her hand when she passed away in the Burns Lake hospital on July 20th 2011. Nicole`s many friends and family were constantly by her bedside, in her last days her room was filled with laughter, tears, and of course lots of hugs, Nicole was famous among her friends for her hugginess .
We will miss our Labrador rose, she was a shining light in our lives and she will be forever missed for her compassion for others especially her residents. Also, for the fun loving relationship she had with all who met her. Nicole was taken too soon, but she lived her life with intense passion accomplishing many things and seeing many parts of this world. Nicole would want others to go forward in their lives in defiance of the illness which took her life, and love each other everyday with the same spirit she lived hers.
Nicole is pre deceased by her father Clayton Hill she is survived by her mother Faye Hill, her husband Tom Johnson and her daughter Emily. Nicole is also survived by her sisters Penny (Chris) Allen. Janet (Brian) Hammond and brother Tony (Karen) Hill.
Nicoles ashes will be buried by the church in Newfoundland where her fathers final resting spot is and where her daughter Emily was Christened .
We can tell you that when a new resident would come to live at The Pines many times they would have dementia and be scared and confused, but this angel would be looking them in the face with her beautiful smile telling them that it will be ok and maybe they would like to come for a dance.