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 deepest condolences to Jennifer’s family and friends. I was in Psychiatry residency in London with Jennifer and had the privilege to work with her as a colleague before her move.
I have fond memories of spending time with Jennifer. She had an amazing sense of humour. It seems like just yesterday we were at her house for her graduation party. She was an amazing colleague and friend. She was a dedicated and caring physician. My thoughts are with her family and friends, and please know that many people in London have cherished memories of Jennifer.
My heart breaks for this tragic loss of such a highly esteemed colleague. I was fortunate to have worked at one of the many sites which Dr. Oates provided geriatric psychiatry consultations. I have learned so much from her advocacy, knowledge and attention to detail. I saw her at work on Friday, August 4th and I am struck with the lesson not to take any day for granted. She leaves a wonderful legacy for her cherished children.
Dear Sibilla, John and family,
I was shocked to see the very sad news of the passing of your daughter. I send my sympathy and prayers. May Jennifer rest in peace. Carole Murphy
Jennifer was an esteemed Geriatric Psychiatry colleague dedicated to the patients that she cared for and to the multidisciplinary teams with whom she served. She was known for being generous, bright, creative, and having an infectious smile as well as a wicked sense of humour. My heartfelt condolences go out to her grieving family, friends and health care colleagues.
I was Jennifer’s violin teacher for several years and I always enjoyed her company. She was a lovely person, inside and out, and I am terribly saddened to hear of her passing. I send heart felt condolences to all of the family.
My thoughts and prayers are with Jennifer’s family. Losing Dr. Oates will leave a significant gap in our community – I am so sad to hear this news. Working with Jennifer on projects to advocate for older adults is a highlight of my career. She was a caring physician, an inspiration, and a great advocate for older adults and for improving patient care. Sending my condolences; she will be deeply missed.
Our deepest condolences to the whole family.
Dear Aunt Sibilla, John, entire Oates Family, Connor and Calla. I am one of the many cousins Jennifer had across Canada. I join with all those mourning her sudden passing. Please accept heartfelt condolences on behalf of myself and my family and all Weusten Family members.
As we mourn Jennifer’s loss, may we find strength in our Faith, and each other, as we cherish memories of her all-too-short time with us. She has a legacy that will continue to shine, achievements that will continue to be admired and family and friends that will continue to hold her dear, and hold her in thoughts and prayers. Fidelium animae, per misericordia Dei, requiescat in pace.
My heart breaks with the saddest of news of this lovely lady passing so suddenly. My thoughts and prayers are with her family as I remember our last time together for Calla’s piano recital. Jennifer shared her love of music with her amazing children and I hope they can carry the songs on forever in loving memory. Big hugs all around.
Condolences to Jennifer’s family. She and I were high school friends and I remember the fun we we had together