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
John & Sibilla, you have my deepest sympathy. There are no words I can say to lighten your burden but know my thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
My heart and prayers are with you all. Many warm embraces.
Tante Sue and Uncle Rick and our family are so saddened to hear of the passing of our niece Jennifer; she was such wonderful, lovely , whole hearted woman, and mother. We will always remember her laugh, her smile, her honesty . She was admired by our family and we will pray that your family can find peace and comfort knowing she’s in Gods hands. We love you all.
Wish we could be there to honour her rich, well-lived, intentional life. Sending love to all her family in this difficult time. She will be missed by so many people in so many different places; very much in our hearts. I don’t know if I would have survived residency without her!
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
My deepest condolences to Jennifers family and friends. Rest in peace, Jennifer.
Jo Reijnders
Schinveld, Netherlands
This is a tragic loss and my thoughts are with Jennifer’s family. Rest easy Dr. Oates. Thank you for service to our elders.
My condolences to all the family, can’t believe this. So sorry for this loss from your lovely mother,
/daughter/sister/cousin.
I was medical school classmate of Jennifer’s, and remember her fondly. I thought very highly of her and wish I had had the wisdom to join her lovely circle of friends at the time. She was gracious, clever, and kind. Our med school class will be having a 20-year reunion this fall (organized by Dr Maryam Zeneiden) and I hope some words can be said to honour her then.
I always enjoyed seeing her posts on our doctor mom’s Facebook group over the years.
I am so heartbroken for her family and close friends. May her memory be a blessing to you.
Our sincerest condolences
We wish you all the strenght to move on and in time take comfort in the beautiful memories she left behind