Patricia Oates was born in Ireland and came to Canada in 1954.  She was a Registered Nurse and worked in Saskatchewan and Manitoba before going to Covenant College. She graduated in 1966 and was designated as a Deaconess.

She worked in team ministries, with a focus on Christian Education at Earlscourt and Faith United Churches, both in the west end of Toronto.

She took a two year study leave, earning a Master of Divinity, however, she returned to nursing work in Stoney Creek, Ontario.  She was killed in a car accident near Cornwall, Ontario, October 12, 1984.  At her funeral these words were shared, “She was compassionate, enthusiastic and very active, both in her profession and in the community.”  Her funeral was held at Stoney Creek United Church and she is buried at Mountview Gardens, Fruitland, Ontario.