Paromita Deb-Rinker, age 52, of Ottawa, passed away on August 22, 2023 after a long battle with lung cancer. She is survived by her husband, Mike Rinker, and her two children, who made up the entirety of her world; Priya (age 20) and Eli (age 18).
Paromita was born on 22 October, 1970 to Mihir Deb and Jhunu Deb in Kolkata, India. After graduating from Springdale School in 1989, she went to Miranda House, Delhi University for her undergraduate degree, and later to Delhi University to get her Masters Degree in Zoology. Paromita then migrated to Canada in 1994 to complete her PhD in Molecular Biology at Western University in London Ontario.
Paromita had a successful career researching human diseases at Sick Kids in Toronto, the National Research Council, and the Ottawa Heart Institute. She later joined the Public Health Agency of Canada and supported Canada’s COVID response.
Paromita dedicated her life to being a fantastic and wonderful mother. She fought to maintain her health long enough to have both Priya and Eli get on their way to university.
Paromita was a passionate reader. When she wasn’t filling her home with warmth and kindness, she was filling it with books. She brought rules and order to book club, and was a pioneer in establishing and enforcing rules and criteria for her friends to follow…
She is missed…
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society - Lung Cancer would be greatly appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Dan Tello
ধীরাজ
I have no words to express my grief through which the whole family is passing.Om Shanti
George Leblanc, Susan Hodgson and Calvin Leblanc
Mike, Priya and Eli,
We are so very sorry to hear of Paromita's passing. As a wife, mother, daughter sister, friend... she was many things to many people and with each, she was proudly her own person. We have so many wonderful memories of her and how she lived life by her own terms. Above all, though, her dedication to her family came before everything. We share the grief of her passing and give our deepest condolences and sympathies.
George, Susan and Calvin.
Randy Knowles
Mike, I can’t imagine the loss. Our condolences to you and your family. Be well.
Anupam
It is a huge shock to many of us here in India who knew Paromita for her affable character. May her soul rest in peace. My sincere condolences to her family, including her parents.
Kavita Murthy
Dear Mike
I am so very sorry for your loss. I met Paromita a couple of times briefly in passing at cultural events and remember how strikingly beautiful she was. Such an accomplished person with a loving family. My deepest condolences to you and the whole family. Kavita
Andrew McAllister
Mike, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and the family.
Lucie Désaulniers
I'm so sorry for your loss Mike. My deepest condolences to you and the whole family. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Rami El Shaar
My deepest condolences to your family Priya. I'm so sorry for your loss. May your mother rest in peace.
Amanda Tucker
My deepest condolences to Mike and his family. Sending all my thoughts and warm thoughts.
Mike, I wish to send you my deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.