Nicole Charlotte Skead
Machiiashik Atik Doodem
November 2, 1972 – June 8, 2025
With heavy hearts and deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Nicole Skead (Byounce), who began her journey to the Spirit World on June 8th, surrounded by the love she gave so freely throughout her life.
Nicole was a warrior in every sense of the word. For four courageous years, she faced cancer with unmatched strength, grace, and an unshakeable spirit. Her fight was fierce, her love louder, and her presence larger than life. She now reunites with those who walked before her—her beloved mother Sally Skead, her father Ronni Jack, her Dede Clifford Skead, her grandmother Elizabeth Tom, her sister Caroline Jack, her brother Dean Jack, and numerous close friends and relatives who made the journey before her. We take comfort in knowing she is welcomed home with open arms, surrounded by love on the other side.
Nicole’s life was rooted in love, family, and community. She was the heart and soul of her family—the one you could always count on for encouragement, laughter, and fierce loyalty. She is survived by the love of her life and partner in crime for 27 years, John “Boss” Skead—her rock, her sunshine, her best friend. Their love story was one for the ages, built on laughter, resilience, and unwavering commitment.
Nicole’s greatest pride was her son, Louie Skead—her heart walking outside her body. She also held deep love for her stepchildren: Samantha Skead (Dennis), Patricia Kavanagh (Garrett), Damian Skead, and John John Skead (Lysa). Her legacy continues in her cherished grandchildren: Cheyanne, Julian, Jayden, Talia, Hendrix, Jalisa, Garrett Jr., Liohny, Gracie, Johnie, Decker, Kinzie, and George.
Nicole will be deeply missed by her grandmother Jeanette Skead and her siblings: Kimberley Skead, Alex Skead (Paul), Megan Skead (TJ), Gwen Jack (Tony), Joseph Jack, Ron Jack, and Josh. She is also mourned by her aunts and uncles: Ruthie Skead, Charlotte Skead, Wanda Skead, Kathaleen Skead, Melanie Skead, Dani Skead, and William Skead (Gupper). Her many nieces and nephews—Alina (Jordan), Tyler, Xavier, Asher, Kenton, Emmett, Leah, Noah, and Copelin—along with countless extended family members too numerous to name, will forever carry her spirit in their hearts.
Nicole dedicated her career to serving others, working as a social worker with Kitapinoonjiiminaanik Family Services. Through this work, she poured her heart into protecting and uplifting children and families within the community. Her compassion, advocacy, and unwavering dedication touched countless lives and will never be forgotten.
A natural-born protector, Nicole never backed down from a fight and defended those she loved without hesitation. She loved fiercely and fully—there was never a doubt where you stood with her. Whether on the baseball field cheering on her teammates, casting a line at her favorite fishing spot, or calling out bingo, Nicole brought joy, laughter, and a fierce sense of loyalty to everything she did.
Her strength was unmatched, her laughter contagious, her hugs healing, and her presence unforgettable. Nicole lived loudly, loved deeply, and gave generously. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, joy, and unwavering love.
As we grieve her loss, we also celebrate the vibrant, bold spirit that Nicole was. We ask that you remember her with laughter in your heart, stories shared, and strength in your step—just as she lived every day of her life.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the nurses and doctors on the third floor at Lake of the Woods Hospital for their compassion, care, and kindness throughout Nicole’s journey. We are also deeply grateful to the community of Wauzhushk Onigum, the Foundation, Rhonda Skead (Mingo’s catering) for their dedication and unwavering support and to the Cancer Care team in Thunder Bay, whose guidance, expertise, and compassion helped carry Nicole through some of her most difficult days. Your support has meant the world to us.
An honourable mention and heartfelt thank you to Elder and officiant Gilbert Smith for his guidance and spiritual leadership during this time. We also extend our deepest gratitude to Nicole’s pallbearers—John John Skead, Damian Skead, William Skead (Gupper), Tyler “Punks” Redsky, Jordan Redsky, and Matt Skead—who will carry her with love and strength on her final journey. A special thank you as well to Fire Keeper Fredese “Derf” and Waylon Skead for their sacred role.
To our dear Nicole: You will be missed beyond words, loved beyond measure, and remembered always.
A wake service will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 3:00pm at Golden Eagle Bingo Hall. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 10:00am at Golden Eagle Bingo Hall with burial to follow.