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
Nana Kwamena
Chris & Jeanne Mudrick
Mike, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are for you and your children in this difficult time. Although we never met Paromita, it is clear that she was a strong and powerful person with so much to give. Let the strength of her character carry you in these difficult times now, and in the future.
Jennifer Crain
My deepest condolences to Paromita's beloved family Mike, Priya and Eli during this tremendously difficult time. I had the pleasure of working with her at the Public Health Agency where we also shared some good times learning French together. I always appreciated her confident and assertive personality, ambition to take on new career challenges, and hearing about her children's accomplishments, and stories of their beloved dog as well. She is missed.
Christopher Cole
Dear Mike,
Please accept our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Priya and Eli at this difficult time.
Chris and Michelle Cole
Jelena Vucicevic
Mike, I am very sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Annie J. Stewart
Paromita had integrity and truly cared about people. I had the pleasure of working with her at PHAC. After a successful project, she thanked me by offering me a pair of earrings that I wore again just recently. My heart sank when I heard news of her passing. My most sincere condolences.
Alan Du Sautoy
Dear Mike, and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Alan
Louise Youdale
Deeply sorry for your loss Mike. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Renée Ramsey
Mike - I am so very sorry for the loss of your wife, and a wonderful mother and person. We are all thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Harveen Dhillon
Mike, I never got to meet you or the children, but heard so much about you from Paromita my dearest friend from college. This is a devastating loss. My sincerest condolences.
Mike. I am so very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the memories you have of your time together. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.