Among the almost three dozen posts of condolences on the passing of Springwater Township communication officer Nicole Audette, this one, by a lifelong friend, encapsulates how many of her friends and colleagues are feeling.
“Nicky was one of the kindest, smartest and most beautiful souls, and the world is truly dimmer without her,” posted Julie Candy. “Some of my fondest memories are of travelling, partying and cottaging with her — moments filled with laughter, love and adventure.
“Her passing is unimaginable, and she leaves behind a void that can never be filled," she added.
Audette (nee Van Zutphen) died unexpectedly on March 12. She was 39.
She is survived by her husband, Jonathan, and their two children, six-year-old Harper and three-year-old Henry.
The daughter of Martin and Truus Van Zutphen, Audette leaves behind two siblings, Eric and Jessica, and four nephews, Oliver, Owen, Charles and Liam.
The cause of death has not been released.
Springwater Township Mayor Jennifer Coughlin said Audette was more than a colleague — she was a mentor, friend and a constant source of support.
“Her warmth, kindness, quick wit and unwavering generosity left a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of working alongside her,” Coughlin said. “She was a storyteller who captured the essence of Springwater.”
Jeff French, the township’s deputy fire chief, echoed Coughlin’s sentiments.
“Nicole was a wonderful human being who would do anything to make sure other people were taken care of,” French said.
He pointed to the recent snowstorms in Elmvale as an example.
“She’s the one who actually got the message out to people to make sure they were aware of what the conditions were like and help make sure they were safe,” French said.
Audette’s passing has been especially hard on her friend and colleague, Springwater’s IT manager Michael Burnie, who credited Audette with making him the man he is today.
“I was always a shy person, you know, the typical IT type,” Burnie said Monday night during the visitation at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home in Barrie. “She brought me out of my shell very quickly and, if it weren’t for her, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today.
“She was my best friend at work,” he added.
Burnie joined the township in early 2014, three or four months after Audette, and they hit it off when they worked on their first project together — the municipality's website.
“She was always on top of things,” Burnie said. “She was one of the people you could count on to get things done.”
When Burnie got married a few years ago, Audette planned his bachelor party.
“She organized the whole thing,” he said. “People like Nicole come along only once or twice in your lifetime.
“She always made time for me."
Audette’s generous and easy-going nature was something of a calling card, according to Jeff Schmidt, Springwater’s former chief administrative officer.
They joined the township on the same day in 2013. After doing orientation together, Audette reported directly to Schmidt for four or five years.
He had nothing but fond memories.
“Nicole was a fabulous individual and will be sorely missed,” Schmidt said Monday night after paying his respects at the visitation. “She was one of probably a handful of people who just got things done.
“She was one of those individuals who you’re never going to replace.”
According to Schmidt, Audette had another side that belied her corporate communications persona.
“As much as she was passionate about her job, as much as she would toe the line on policy and legislation, she also had a carefree spirit,” he said. “She loved to travel and try different things. She loved adventure.”
Audette’s death has left her co-workers in shock, but they’re taking solace in the memories created.
“The impact she left on everyone she worked with is irreplaceable,” said Briana Dean, the township’s manager of parks, recreation and facilities. “She’ll be missed daily but will be forever in our hearts.”
Springwater will be hosting a special memorial for Audette on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., prior to the start of the township’s council meeting, which will start after the memorial.
Donations in Audette’s memory may be made to the Seasons Centre for Grieving Children in Barrie.