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 goes out to you and your family, and I wish you nothing but comfort and strength.
I wish to convey my deepest sympathy to Dr. Oates family. She became my psychiatrist when I was in such a dire state of despair 2 yrs ago. She was able to get me on the right track to recovery – I was very fortunate! She was so kind, compassionate, knowledgeable and easy to talk to. Then my Husband of 52 yrs passed away suddenly in Oct/2022 of cancer. She was there for me once again. I will miss her terribly as I’m sure many of her patients will.
I was so sad and shocked to hear about Jennifer’s passing. Her willingness to step up and provide practical support to her colleagues in Nanaimo, during the pandemic, was truly remarkable. Her positive energy, compassion, clear decision making and generosity made a lasting impact on all of us here.
It’s so hard to believe we’ve lost someone so exceptional and my heart goes out to her family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
To all of Jennifer’s family and friends, I offer my deepest condolences. We went through psychiatry residency together in London, both starting in 2003. I was fortunate to know her as a colleague and friend. I cherish the warm memories from our school days together. I’m so saddened to hear about her passing and think about her often.
Sincere condolences from the McCulley family. Jennifer had her first job working at Dave’s gas station in Cayuga. She was bright, bubbly, compassionate and equipped with a wonderful smile. She always had excellent work ethic, something that clearly lasted through out her far too short a life. We always knew that she would do so well in life. Our children have such fond memories of working with Jennifer. We are quite heart broken for your large and loving family.
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Jennifer’s passing. My deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Sibilla and Chris and hugs to Calla and Connor. I’m so very sorry for your devastating loss.
I am so saddened to hear about Jennifer‘s passing. My deepest condolences to her family. I met Jennifer as we were both working to improve care for our seniors in Island Health. It was her courage and hope for change that allowed me to continue at all in this field. She will be dearly missed by many I’m afraid.
To Jennifer’s family and friends, I’m sorry for your devastating loss. I spoke to Jennifer several times in a professional setting and she was incredibly kind, patient, and compassionate. She genuinely cared about her colleagues and patients. I’m having a hard time explaining it in words, but I always felt a sense of relief after speaking to her, like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders and I was rejuvenated. She has obviously touched the lives of many in a similar way, and will be dearly missed. My deepest sympathies again to her family and friends.
I had the pleasure of teaching both Connor and Calla at school. My heart goes out to both kids, Chris, and Jennifer’s entire family for this tremendous loss. You have my deepest sympathy.
An unfathomable loss for Jennifer’s friends and family, especially her children. I join so many in expressing deepest condolences, shock and sadness at the news of her passing. I will always remember and admire her brilliant mind, her tireless advocacy for older adults, and her gifts as a physician and a leader in quality improvement. Please know that she was appreciated and loved by the Island Health community.