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
I’m shocked and saddened by Jennifer’s untimely passing. My very deepest heartfelt condolences to Jennifer’s family and friends about your irreplaceable loss.I worked with Jennifer on an inpatient Geriatric Consult Liaison Team in London. Jennifer was intelligent,witty,compassionate, a patient advocate and very passionate about improving care of the elderly who have psychiatric disorders. She was definitely a dynamic force. Jennifer’s untimely passing is primarily a very great irreplaceable loss to her family and friends but is also a loss now and in the future to patients and families,to students and interdisciplinary team members and to research and the health care system.
I am deeply saddened for the loss of a dear colleague of the Department of Psychiatry, Island Health. Dr. Oates was such a dedicated, skilled and compassionate team player, leader, and care provider. We will miss her immensely. My sincere condolences to Jennifer’s family, friends and colleagues for the immeasurable loss…
Sincerest condolences to the Oates and Simmons families. Thinking of you …
Kaia & Dave Bryanton
I am so very sorry to read of Jennifer’s sudden passing. Such a big loss for our community. I worked for a short time with Jennifer at Island Health, and was so thankful to have her participation and leadership in work to improve the health of seniors in our care. My deep condolences to your family.
Deeply saddened at the news of the passing of this wonderful woman.
I enjoyed many clinical, quality improvement and social interactions with her.
Jennifer’s intelligence, wisdom, humour and approachability were so appreciated.
Sending blessings & comfort to her family at this time.
To Christine and her family, I pass on my heartfelt condolences. Rest in peace Jennifer.
To all of Byron’s family and all of Jennifer’s loved ones, we pass on our sympathies.
From Byron’s Greenhills family.
Dear Sibilla, John and Family,
Words cannot express the overwhelming sadness I am feeling about your beloved Jennifer. My heart aches for you. May your precious memories guide you and bring comfort and peace in the days to come. Keeping you close in my thoughts and prayers.
With sincere sympathy, love, and friendship,
Sue Mancini
Stoney Creek, Ontario
Jennifer’s incredibly warm and welcoming manner was paired with her important leadership to incorporate the patient voice. This work will be carried forward and benefit many many people.
My thoughts and prayers are with Jennifer’s family. Losing Dr. Oates will leave a big gap in our community – she was truly an inspiration and an advocate for seniors and quality healthcare.
Sending my condolences, she will be deeply missed.