I grew up with Nicole's son Bernard; through Nicole and John and my parents, I learned to appreciate and distinguish between good and bad food in DC, how to select a fine wine without paying too much, and how to hunt for the best cup of tea. Well I remember Nicole's endless quest for the perfect cup of tea with just precisely the right amount of sugar. And I will never forget Nicole's ability to light up a room with her freely given and sincerely expressed, joyous laughter. My condolences to you all.

-Alexa

My wife Tsedale and I have dearly enjoyed our friendship with Nicole over thirty years. We always enjoyed her talent for the art,gardening and pottery. Whenever we invited her to our house for a small party gathering, our guests used to get pleasantly admired by the fluent command of her conversation with impeccable fluency in Amharic language. Our last memory of Nicole's visit in our house was only a month ago before her sudden death to deliver a beautiful gift for the occasion of our newly born grand son Lucas.
May God bless her soul.
  Ayalew and Tsedale & our children Mehret &Musse.

Nicole lived just two doors down from us, and my favorite memory is when I was home with my new baby Truman, rocking him on the front porch swing, and she stopped by to see us. She jangled her big set of keys in a joyful way toward him, and he gave us his very first laugh--and a hearty one at that! We were so startled and just laughed and laughed.

Bernard -- well I do have extremely amazing memories of all the experiences with your Mom and my mother Milka.  The trips, the stories, the restaurants.  And always the dogs!  For both of them...always about the dogs.  They must have seen too many hungry dogs when they were living in Ethiopia.  My mother has the most amazing story of landing in Addis Ababa and getting off the plane and leaving the airport, all disoriented, never having been out of Croatia before in her life....lots of death and misery in Addis at that time, and suddenly she sees and hears a voice of a woman her age yelling at her in french to come with me...come with me...and they were friends ever since.  My mother was always grateful for that chance meeting on the streets in Ethiopia and for your mother's kindness to her.

I know Nicole was thrilled about your daughter and i am sorry IIona doesn't get a chance to know her grandmother longer.  take care.

Lena Hann Ferris

I first met Nicole at a craft show in Washington about 25 years ago. Our common love for gardening, pottery, jewelry, antiques, and whatever else related to art made us "click" instantly, and our friendship kept growing and getting stronger over these many years. I miss her terribly--her sense of humor, her laugh, her generosity, her creativity, her free spirit....  My deepest sympathy to you Bernard and your family. Dear Nicole, your memory will live in my heart for ever.

Our childhood is filled with memories of Nicole and Bernard. We grew up together. Nicole was so warm, loving, and kind. We will never forget her. Our deepest condolences to you Bernard. Your mom was truly special.

Nicole was one of our oldest friends from Ethiopia. When we moved to America, we continued the friendship and raised our kids together. She is a part of our family and it is a great loss for us. We will always remember her and the many good memories we shared.

Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Mom. We have only known Nicole for a few years but we always looked forward to seeing her when we would come to VA. She was a very warm and loving person. Her smile is what we will always remember. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love to all!

My deepest sympathies for your loss. I may have only known Nicole for a year, however I felt we had more of a friendship then a typical renter/landlord relationship. I am sad to see her pass, but I will smile and remember her fondly whenever I have a fig. Rest in Peace Nicole.

So sorry for your loss. I shall remember you Mum well and I will think of her often, when I throw a pot, wear a certain piece of jewelry or go for lunch in "Little Saigon. "

My mother and Nicole have been best friends from the early days in Ethiopia. Their friendship has spanned generations and continents. They were connected in friendship in a way that is precious and rare. Nicole was a second mother to me and in losing her we have lost a close family member. Her life and her spirit was unique. She was a wonderful person and very special to our family. She be missed terribly.

Sonja Hann Lopez

OBITUARY

Nicole Pineau

July 2, 1933 – August 2, 2013

Murphy Funeral Homes

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