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
Dear Chris, Calla and Connor,
Our most heartfelt condolences in this very difficult time. Our thoughts are with you. May the Lord bask her in His infinite light while she lives on in our hearts. We will not forget her.
Elisabeth and Brad
I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear about Jennifer’s passing. My heartfelt condolences to her family, children and colleagues, such a huge loss. I had the very good fortune to learn from Jennifer in our work together at the Seniors Outpatient clinic. Jennifer was ever passionate and devoted to providing dignified and respectful care to our seniors always going all the way to get to this goal; she set a high standard. This is one of the many legacies she left us with. The family has much to be proud of in what Jennifer has left us. I am truly grateful to have known her and learning from her, never to take one’s eyes off what is truly important. May Jennifer’s memories and gifts bring comfort to all.
My heartfelt sorrow goes out to Jennifer’s family and friends. She was a dedicated colleague of mine and i will miss her. Jennifer’s passion for her family, for advocacy for patient care, for her music and love of life will be missed. Whenever we see greatness and passion in nature, music and advocacy know it is Jennifer inspiring us to bring her passion to everything we create.
My deepest condolences to all who loved Jennifer. Her compassion and humour was such a gift to those who worked with her. Her passionate leadership in patient centred care has ignited a flame which will continue to improve lives for all.
My heart goes out to you all. She was an important part of my life and made me a better person.
DEAREST SIBILLA AND JOHN AND ALL YOUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILY……WE ARE SO SORRY AND HEART BROKEN FOR YOUR GREAT LOSS.
YOU ARE ALL IN OUR THOUGHTS AND HEARTS AT THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME. MAY JENNIFER BE AT PEACE AND REST IN THE ARMS OF HER LORD. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ALL AND COMFORT YOU.
OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO ALL OF YOU……MARIE AND JACK VANDERLAAN and family
Our deepest condolences to the whole family. Our heart and prayers to Connor and Calla.
We were so saddened to hear this shocking news. We knew Jennifer as a kind and ever-present human being, a remarkable colleague and an exceptional person—our deepest sympathy and condolences to the whole family.
Dear Connor and Calla, Chris and family
Sending you my heartfelt condolences. Your mum was my friend and colleague in London. I met her in residency. She was generous and kind. She had a lovely calm presence and great sense of humour. I remember many a fun get togethers at rancho relaxo that she and your Dad hosted. There are many folks here in London whose lives she touched and who are thinking of you and her. You and your Dad and family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I was so sad to hear of Jennifer’s passing. I remember those days when were kids at the family gatherings. I wish to express my most heart felt condolences to the family.