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
Sibilla, John and the rest of the family, I am so sorry for this tremendous loss of Jennifer. I am sending light and love you all of you at this time. broken hearted
“What is human? A smoke that appears for a moment and then disappears” Our deepest condolences to the whole family, Sonja has the memories and great time with Jennifer in Netherlands and Canada forever in her heart. Lennon appreciate all the contact he had with Jennifer on facebook. Photos and stories will be forever. We are so sorry for you all.. Xx
Very sad. Words are a pale reflection. A great close colleague and many good memories of challenges met and laughter
My deepest condolences to you and your family
Deepest condolences to the family. She was a very dedicated, kind and compassionate clinician and person. I had the privilege of knowing her, albeit briefly and was inspired by her passion for seniors’ health. She was an avid supporter of person centred care. My heart goes out to her all her family. Thoughts and prayers for all of you as you endure this very challenging time.
John Sibilla and family so sorry for your loss
Dear John and Sibilla,
I am so sorry to hear about Jennifer’s death. What a sad time for you. You are in my thoughts , going back all those years to Cayuga when we were young mothers together.
Love to all your family
Theresa Clinton
Dr. Oates was an exceptional physician whose passion to improve the patient experience in health care was inspiring. Every opportunity that Jennifer had she was advocating for the patient, for improving quality in health care; the way we measure, the way we move to improve. Always so astute, gently persuasive but clearly firm in her cause. Sending condolences to her immediate and so very large family in this most difficult time of grief.
To both the Simmons and Oates family,
Giving condolences and wishing you strength.
Regards,
Tim Perrin & Julie Dorssers
Dear Family, words are so hard to find when you loose your mother, daughter, sister and friend.
Our thoughts are with you.
Love Arie and Jeanine (from Holland)