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
Cynthia Tischer
Mary Taylor
My sincere sympathy Mike to you and the entire family. Such a difficult loss to bear. My thoughts are with you, the kids and her parents. May you feel comfort at this time. Mary
Duck Kim
I'm so sorry Mike for your loss. Though I haven't gotten to know Paromita, I can imagine how close you were to her by your devotion to your family. I hope that your children will be a source of strength and purpose to carry on the good work that she began. I pray that in your mourning God will give you and your children comfort.
Sophie Gingras
Mike, my heartfelt sympathies to you and your family during these difficult times. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Clare South
Mike, Priya and Eli, please accept our deepest condolences. Paromita was a lovely, intelligent and driven person. An irreplaceable person who will be sorely missed by all.
Matt Herod
I am so sorry for your loss Mike. I am thinking of you and your family throughout this time and hope you and your family can find comfort and strength together.
Robin Clarke
My sympathies to you and yours Mike.
Arun Deep Ahluwalia Retd Prof of Geology, Chandigarh
News about the great daughter of great parents came to me in Burlington via Delhi University. Extremely shaken and shocked. Saluting our heroine and praying for peace to her sacred soul and courage and fortitude to all dear ones.
Robin Skinner
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I worked with Paromita for a number of years at PHAC and she always made me laugh. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Richard O'Reilly
I am very saddened to hear about Paromita's untimely death. I knew her when she was a PhD candidate in Dr. Shiva Singh's laboratory In London. She was a bright and caring person. Heartfelt sympathy to her family and those who knew her in recent years.
Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. I worked with Paromita at PHAC. She had such a kind soul. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time.