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
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Bonnie J.E. Tateham
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Janet Kow I had the privilege and great pleasure of going on outreach with Jennifer to Northern BC. This news is shocking and so saddening. Jennifer was an enormous pleasure to be with and an excellent psychiatrist. My deepest condolences to her family. Her colleagues and patients will miss her.
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Akshya Vasudev Jennifer, oh how can I forget your wit, your compassionate and patient centred care. As a colleague in geriatric mental health program in London I had first hand experience of working with her for nearly two years. There was so much to learn from her. Humbled by being with her for such a short little time. May her onward journey be as exciting and rewarding! Life just cannot end during our limited time on this planet
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Dennis and Maggie Lyons John and Sibilla, we were so sad to hear of Jennifer’s passing. Our hearts and thoughts go out to you and your family and Jennifer’s family. Wishing you comfort and peace in the love and memories you hold forever in your hearts.
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Vinay Lodha Jennifer was a beacon of light and warmth to those that knew her professionally and personally. She spontaneously reached out and helped me through a difficult dark time despite not being a close friend and being half a continent away. My deepest condolences to her children and family. I am deeply saddened that I will not see her in person again. May those who were close to her find some peace in knowing what an amazing, kind and genuine person she was.
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Lynn & Jim Shannon My heart goes out to you and your family, and I wish you nothing but comfort and strength.
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LORETTA STANLEY 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.
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Anna Green 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.
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Rob Zalan 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.
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Roseann McCulley 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.
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Tricia Lang 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.
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Caitlin McFadden 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.
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Nayha Mody 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.
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Erin Eisenberg 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.
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CW 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.
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Elisabeth Crisci 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
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Ruth Cameron 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.
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Kathy Norman 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.
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Marion Sollazzo 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.
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Chad Malloff My heart goes out to you all. She was an important part of my life and made me a better person.
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MARIE VANDERLAAN 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
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The Perez Family Our deepest condolences to the whole family. Our heart and prayers to Connor and Calla.
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Mohamed Gheis and Abee Abed 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.
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Aleksandra Nowicki 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.
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Daniel Cayouette 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.
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Patricia Hall 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.
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Karin Louis 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.
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Carole Murphy 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
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David Leishman 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.
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Dexine Wallbank 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.
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Colleen Inglis 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.
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Jos Jacobs and Marga Jacobs-Koper Our deepest condolences to the whole family.
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Mark Weusten 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.
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Kristin O'Reilly 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.
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Leah Anne Houser Condolences to Jennifer’s family. She and I were high school friends and I remember the fun we we had together
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Laurie McKellar 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.
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Wei-Yi Song 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…
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Kaia van belois Sincerest condolences to the Oates and Simmons families. Thinking of you …
Kaia & Dave Bryanton
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Val Stevens 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.
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Tim Troughton 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.
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Herb Gibson To Christine and her family, I pass on my heartfelt condolences. Rest in peace Jennifer.
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Tonda Wilson To all of Byron’s family and all of Jennifer’s loved ones, we pass on our sympathies.
From Byron’s Greenhills family.
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Sue Mancini 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
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Hamza Khan 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.
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Sarah Porter 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.
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Grace Scott 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.
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Shannon Wightman My deepest sympathies to the Oates family for your loss of Jennifer and her light. May she rest in peace.
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Caroline Mundie 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. ❤️
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Allison Patterson 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.
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Brenda Wilson RPh 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 .
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Jessica Lejeune 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.
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Alex Henri-Bhargava 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.
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Maren Daphne Hansen 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
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Julia Porter 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.
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Adi Melck 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.
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Margaret Winters Sibilla, John and the rest of the family, I am so sorry for this tremendous loss of Jennifer. I am sending light and love you all of you at this time. broken hearted
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Sonja Jacobs and Lennon Mevissen “What is human? A smoke that appears for a moment and then disappears” Our deepest condolences to the whole family, Sonja has the memories and great time with Jennifer in Netherlands and Canada forever in her heart. Lennon appreciate all the contact he had with Jennifer on facebook. Photos and stories will be forever. We are so sorry for you all.. Xx
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Alex Dougall Very sad. Words are a pale reflection. A great close colleague and many good memories of challenges met and laughter
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Olivia Eussen My deepest condolences to you and your family
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Jae Yon Jones Deepest condolences to the family. She was a very dedicated, kind and compassionate clinician and person. I had the privilege of knowing her, albeit briefly and was inspired by her passion for seniors’ health. She was an avid supporter of person centred care. My heart goes out to her all her family. Thoughts and prayers for all of you as you endure this very challenging time.
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Steve & Lynda Lane John Sibilla and family so sorry for your loss
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Theresa Clinton Dear John and Sibilla,
I am so sorry to hear about Jennifer’s death. What a sad time for you. You are in my thoughts , going back all those years to Cayuga when we were young mothers together.
Love to all your family
Theresa Clinton
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Kristine Votova Dr. Oates was an exceptional physician whose passion to improve the patient experience in health care was inspiring. Every opportunity that Jennifer had she was advocating for the patient, for improving quality in health care; the way we measure, the way we move to improve. Always so astute, gently persuasive but clearly firm in her cause. Sending condolences to her immediate and so very large family in this most difficult time of grief.
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Tim Perrin & Julie Dorssers To both the Simmons and Oates family,
Giving condolences and wishing you strength.Regards,
Tim Perrin & Julie Dorssers
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Arie and Jeanine Dear Family, words are so hard to find when you loose your mother, daughter, sister and friend.
Our thoughts are with you.
Love Arie and Jeanine (from Holland)
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Bonnie Wardell John & Sibilla, you have my deepest sympathy. There are no words I can say to lighten your burden but know my thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
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Rosanne Belliveau My heart and prayers are with you all. Many warm embraces.
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Sietske, Rick Booth and Family. Tante Sue and Uncle Rick and our family are so saddened to hear of the passing of our niece Jennifer; she was such wonderful, lovely , whole hearted woman, and mother. We will always remember her laugh, her smile, her honesty . She was admired by our family and we will pray that your family can find peace and comfort knowing she’s in Gods hands. We love you all.
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Heidi Haensel Wish we could be there to honour her rich, well-lived, intentional life. Sending love to all her family in this difficult time. She will be missed by so many people in so many different places; very much in our hearts. I don’t know if I would have survived residency without her!
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Mary and Jim Kent I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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Jo Reijnders My deepest condolences to Jennifers family and friends. Rest in peace, Jennifer.
Jo Reijnders
Schinveld, Netherlands
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Tenny King This is a tragic loss and my thoughts are with Jennifer’s family. Rest easy Dr. Oates. Thank you for service to our elders.
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Lennon Mevissen My condolences to all the family, can’t believe this. So sorry for this loss from your lovely mother,
/daughter/sister/cousin.
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Jillian Lusina (neé Macdonald) I was medical school classmate of Jennifer’s, and remember her fondly. I thought very highly of her and wish I had had the wisdom to join her lovely circle of friends at the time. She was gracious, clever, and kind. Our med school class will be having a 20-year reunion this fall (organized by Dr Maryam Zeneiden) and I hope some words can be said to honour her then.
I always enjoyed seeing her posts on our doctor mom’s Facebook group over the years.
I am so heartbroken for her family and close friends. May her memory be a blessing to you.
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Zus Sajovec-Jacobs, Resi Sajovec and family Our sincerest condolences
We wish you all the strenght to move on and in time take comfort in the beautiful memories she left behind
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Chris Hall The depth of Jennifer’s loss is unmeasurable. As a colleague I feel the void; her wise counsel, her approachability, her skill and compassion – for her family and friends please know we honour your deep grief and wish your hearts peace.
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Perpetua Nwosu I really miss Jennifer. I had chatted with her a few days before she passed away. If only I followed our chat with a visit.
She had all the good intentions. She was a warm soul and deserves to be here with us.I do not have words to express how saddened I am. I am however comforted that she resting in peace, far away from the pains and disappointments the world brings.
My prayers is with you her family and friends, especially her dearest children who means the world to her and her dogs who were her support lately.
To Connor and Calla, I pray the grace of God remains upon you two. I pray that God will be your guide and shield. You will have the wisdom to navigate this difficult time. Your life will be an example to your mates.
Jennifer, you are truly missed, your good deeds and the impact you have had on some of us will never be forgotten.
Rest well! Love and miss you ❤️❤️
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Joanne Gaul, MD, & Joe Rallo, PhD Our thoughts are with you during this terrible time. We hope that you get some comfort by the huge number of us who share your grief and were so grateful for Jennifer’s many gifts.
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Jane, Jeff and Denise Van Dalen Our deepest condolences to the John and Sibilla Oates family.
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Tania Wall Jennifer Oates was a colleague who always had patients at the centre of her care, approached colleagues with kindness, humour and mentorship. I feel privileged and grateful to have ever been in her circle.
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Dr. Amer Burhan I am tremendously shocked and saddened by the passing of Jennifer! I knew her as her supervisor then as her colleague in geriatric psychiatry in London Ontario, she was a caring and compassionate physician and respected educator in our field, my thoughts go to her family especially her beautiful children!
May she rest in peace and her legacy as a healer continues for eternity!
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Sonja Jacobs I sit here with tears in my eyes. Words fall short what this loss means to everyone. I can only say, I am very sorry for this great loss for everyone… My son and I were supposed to go to Canada last year, but unfortunately that didn’t happen last year because of circumstances. But I will never forget how spontaneous you reacted to this and that we were so welcome with you… I think of you as a very sweet, warm and humorous woman. We will also miss you very much here in Schinveld..
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Michelle Ngo To Jennifer’s family and friends,
I am so saddened to hear this news. I knew Jennifer from psychiatry residency in London. I will remember her sharp sense of humour, her amazing culinary skills and of course the caring physician that she was. I enjoyed having her as a colleague and will cherish those memories. My deepest condolences on this devastating loss.
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Scott and Janice Hornblower Our deepest condolences Chris to you and your family.. God bless
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Annette Schell Jennifer was a bright light at LHSC…so sorry to all her family and friends.
A. Schell
My deepest condolences to Jennifer’s children and family. Working with Jennifer at the Senior’s Outpatient Clinic, I gleaned much knowledge through the several years we worked together; and enjoyed social events we both attended. She was an excellent and caring Geriatric Psychiatrist and will be missed by many staff and clients.