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
My heart felt condolences to the Simmons and Oates families. My heart is so broken for all of you. I have gotten to know the family through my daughter’s friend Calla. My final memory of Jen is a beautiful one: Her smiling face at Calla’s birthday celebration. We chatted for a bit, as parents do about kid things. I honor her service to the community as a doctor, but as a mom, she put so much love into making that party really fun for the kids who came. That’s the person I got to know. We’ll miss you, Jen.
My deepest sympathies to the Oates family for your loss of Jennifer and her light. May she rest in peace.
John & Sibilla I am so sorry to hear the loss of your daughter Jennifer. My heartfelt sympathies goes out to you and your family at this most difficult time. May you find strength in the memories you have had with her and all your family. Thinking of you and my prayers are with you. ❤️
I will miss Jennifer’s skill and humour. She brought lightness to heavy topics and situations. She will be VERY missed.
Much love to her children and family.
Heartfelt condolences to Jennifer’s family . Dr.Oates was kind, caring, dedicated and an extremely skilled clinician . It is a true tragedy and will be greatly missed by her patients and colleagues as well .
My deepest condolences to her family. My heart goes out to her two kids, and husband. I had the privilege of working with both of them at the school. She was so kind and always made time to stop and chat.
May she rest peacefully.
I was profoundly saddened to hear of Jennifer’s untimely passing and want to offer my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. I worked with her at Island health where she was a colleague I looked up to: Intelligent, thoughtful, compassionate, and in every aspect of her work she always had her patients at heart. She was dedicated to changing our healthcare system to improve care of elderly patients with psychiatric disorders as well, and her advocacy was well received. She will be fondly remembered and missed.
Christine and family, My sincere condolences on your loss. I hope that the good memories are able to bring the occasional smile and ease your hearts during this difficult time. Maren
My deepest sympathies and prayers to Jennifer’s family, friends and colleagues. Losing her leaves a big hole. She was a much respected, loved member of the community. I was lucky enough to work with Jennifer since she started as a Geriatric Psychiatrist in Victoria, and have had the opportunity to work with her often on improving patient-centered care through Quality Improvement and Facilities Engagement. Jennifer was a beacon of light and will always be fondly remembered.
There are no words. This loss is unimaginable. I remember Jennifer so fondly from medical school. She was kind, smart and just an all around lovely person. It was a joy to be in her presence. It was a wonderful surprise to see her at a conference last year and in our brief conversation I could tell what an incredible and passionate physician advocate she was for her patients. My heart breaks for her children and your entire family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.