Rhonda Mulder Ottawa Death And Obituary – The Ottawa arts community is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved figures, Rhonda Mulder, who passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, following a brief illness. She was 42 years old. Known for her extraordinary talent, compassionate nature, and unwavering dedication to her craft, Rhonda was more than a tattoo artist—she was a storyteller, mentor, and friend to many.
A lifelong Ottawan, Rhonda’s roots in the city’s creative landscape were deep and ever-growing. Born and raised in the capital, she showed early promise as an artist, filling notebooks with detailed sketches and colorful imaginings from childhood. She later pursued formal training in visual arts, but it was in the world of tattooing that Rhonda found her true calling.
Her journey began with an apprenticeship at Five Cents Tattoo, where her skills quickly stood out. Her signature style—delicate linework, lush color palettes, and emotive symbolism—earned her a growing base of loyal clients. Whether designing intricate floral arrangements, wildlife motifs, or deeply personal tribute tattoos, Rhonda approached each piece with heart, empathy, and an eye for detail that was unparalleled.
In recent years, Rhonda had become a fixture at Tiger Tiger Tattoo Shop, one of Ottawa’s most well-respected studios. There, she cultivated not only her artistic career but also a sense of home and community. Clients often described her sessions as therapeutic—filled with quiet listening, thoughtful collaboration, and heartfelt connection. Many would return not just for new ink, but for the opportunity to spend time with someone who truly cared.
“She had this way of making you feel like your story mattered,” one longtime client shared. “She didn’t just give you a tattoo. She honored your memory, your joy, your grief—whatever you brought into the studio. She translated it into something beautiful and lasting.”
Rhonda’s legacy extends far beyond her studio walls. She was a tireless supporter of Ottawa’s broader arts scene, volunteering her time at art therapy programs for youth and elders alike. She brought art into spaces that needed it most—designing murals in community centers, leading painting workshops in retirement homes, and creating “tattoos on paper” for those who couldn’t be tattooed but still wanted to share their stories.
Within the Tiger Tiger team, Rhonda was known not just for her talent, but for her warmth and generosity. She mentored younger artists with patience, offered kind advice and encouragement, and was always ready with a pot of tea and a listening ear. Her presence brought a sense of peace and camaraderie to the often intense world of tattooing.
“She made us better,” a colleague said. “Not just as artists, but as people.”
As news of her passing spreads, tributes have poured in from across Ottawa and beyond. Fellow artists, clients, friends, and community members are sharing stories of her artistry, her laughter, and the mark—both literal and emotional—that she left on their lives.
Rhonda Mulder is survived by her family, friends, colleagues, and countless clients whose skin and spirits carry the imprint of her gifts. Her life reminds us that art is not just something we see—it’s something we feel, and something we carry with us forever.
Plans for a memorial and community tribute event will be announced by Tiger Tiger Tattoo Shop in the coming days.