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
Anjan Dasgupta
Tony Percival-Smth
My condolences to Paromita's family. I knew her when she was a student in the Dept of Zoology at Western. She was a wonderful person and the last time I saw her she was visiting the campus as a young mother with her first born child. Sincerely Tony
Rachel Lane
Dear Mike:
I am so sorry for your loss. You know I am thinking about you and your family as you go through this very difficult time. Rachel
Malak Khalaf
My heartfelt condolence to the Deb and Rinker family
Koeli Deb
My heartfelt condolences to Robi Mama Jhunu Mike Priya anc Eli. We shall miss you Mou. It was wonderful having you with all of us in Kolkata and we enjoyed being together. We are all with you.
Deb Stoch
Remembering happy days with my beautiful friend; long walks, pushing strollers, passionate discussion. May Paromita’s memory be a blessing always.
Indrani and Amit Jindal
We both are school friends of Paro in India . So shocked to hear this news. May god give all strength to the family . Deepest condolences. Will keep the family in our prayers. May our dear friend’s soul rest in peace .
Nardia Ali
I never know what to say when someone suffers such a great loss! My sincere condolences to you and your family. Remember the good times and focus on the fact that she is in a better place now.
Bheemalingeswara Konka
Shocking and unbelievable. She crossed the finish line early than expected. Great loss can't be filled for the family. Condolences.
Linh Ho
Dear Paromita’s family,
I’m so heartbroken to hear this news. I worked with Paro, we connected right away when she welcomed me to the team. She spoke of her family everyday, very proud of Priya and Eli, she often showed pictures of family events, and of course her puppy. Her cubicle was down the hall from mine, we know when Paro was at work, her voice and laughter were like no others. I love how she was direct, funny and so kind. I’ll always remember our lunch walk and spin class at the gym, her love for food and books. I’m forever grateful for her friendship.
My deepest condolences, hugs to you all.
Shocked to hear the news of her untimely demise. May her soul be in eternal peace. Heartfelt condolence to all her near and dear ones. May the Almighty give you strength to bear this great loss. Mou will live our hearts for ever.