Dr. Jennifer Sibilla Maria Oates, 50 of Metchosin, British Columbia, on the 8th of August, 2023.
Jennifer was born May 26th, 1973, the beloved first child and daughter of John and Sibilla Oates, of Cayuga, Ontario.
She is the devoted and cherished mother of Connor and Calla Simmons.
Deeply thoughtful, creative, funny, talented, inspiring, warm, and loving eldest sister to Sean (Monica Czagan), Byron (Jenn Lau), Christopher (Sarah Driessens), Christine (Karl Acelin), Michael and Theresa (Alec Maher).
Adventure-toting and dear auntie to Remi and Bodhi Oates, Erin and Áine Driessens-Oates, Lyrik, Ceres, and Reden Acelin, and Mila Maher.
Adored neice of Sue and Rick Booth, Luc and Janice Jacobs, David Jacobs, Elizabeth and Rod Turner, Sheilagh and Larry Moerschfelder, and Ken and Trudy Oates.
Jennifer will be forever remembered by many first and second cousins all across Canada.
She is survived by her former spouse, Chris Simmons.
Jennifer graduated in 2003 from the University of British Columbia as Doctor of Medicine and went on to complete her residency at London Health Sciences, fulfilling the requirements for the specialty of Psychiatry in 2009. She has been with Island Health on Vancouver Island since that time, specializing in Geriatric Psychiatry with skill, dedication, and compassion. Her commitment to improving the lives of seniors, particularly in Victoria’s Western Shores, through modern medical professionalism, and with collaboration, innovation, and best practice, has brought enduring benefit to the community.
In her far too brief time with us, Jennifer filled her days and her heart by cherishing moments with her greatest joy, her children; relaxing in conversation over a cup of tea or a glass of fine wine; working on her many creative projects, especially those in her kitchen and garden, with her children either learning alongside or otherwise close by; nourishing her family and close friends with all manner of gustatory delights; journeying through space and time by getting lost and then found again, either in the beauty and majesty of the island that she chose as her home, a good tome or a deep and moody verse; and practicing her piano and violin to her heart’s content.
The sudden loss of our Jennifer leaves us broken-hearted and facing an unfathomable void. Her family welcomes her friends and colleagues, and anyone touched by her beautiful life, to join us at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Wednesday, August 16th, 2023 for a visitation (11:15am) and a service in celebration of her life (1:00pm). A burial service will follow immediately after for the family only.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
85 Responses
The depth of Jennifer’s loss is unmeasurable. As a colleague I feel the void; her wise counsel, her approachability, her skill and compassion – for her family and friends please know we honour your deep grief and wish your hearts peace.
I really miss Jennifer. I had chatted with her a few days before she passed away. If only I followed our chat with a visit.
She had all the good intentions. She was a warm soul and deserves to be here with us.
I do not have words to express how saddened I am. I am however comforted that she resting in peace, far away from the pains and disappointments the world brings.
My prayers is with you her family and friends, especially her dearest children who means the world to her and her dogs who were her support lately.
To Connor and Calla, I pray the grace of God remains upon you two. I pray that God will be your guide and shield. You will have the wisdom to navigate this difficult time. Your life will be an example to your mates.
Jennifer, you are truly missed, your good deeds and the impact you have had on some of us will never be forgotten.
Rest well! Love and miss you ❤️❤️
Our thoughts are with you during this terrible time. We hope that you get some comfort by the huge number of us who share your grief and were so grateful for Jennifer’s many gifts.
Our deepest condolences to the John and Sibilla Oates family.
Jennifer Oates was a colleague who always had patients at the centre of her care, approached colleagues with kindness, humour and mentorship. I feel privileged and grateful to have ever been in her circle.
I am tremendously shocked and saddened by the passing of Jennifer! I knew her as her supervisor then as her colleague in geriatric psychiatry in London Ontario, she was a caring and compassionate physician and respected educator in our field, my thoughts go to her family especially her beautiful children!
May she rest in peace and her legacy as a healer continues for eternity!
I sit here with tears in my eyes. Words fall short what this loss means to everyone. I can only say, I am very sorry for this great loss for everyone… My son and I were supposed to go to Canada last year, but unfortunately that didn’t happen last year because of circumstances. But I will never forget how spontaneous you reacted to this and that we were so welcome with you… I think of you as a very sweet, warm and humorous woman. We will also miss you very much here in Schinveld..
To Jennifer’s family and friends,
I am so saddened to hear this news. I knew Jennifer from psychiatry residency in London. I will remember her sharp sense of humour, her amazing culinary skills and of course the caring physician that she was. I enjoyed having her as a colleague and will cherish those memories. My deepest condolences on this devastating loss.
Our deepest condolences Chris to you and your family.. God bless
Jennifer was a bright light at LHSC…so sorry to all her family and friends.
A. Schell