Rhonda Mulder Ottawa Death And Obituary – The heart of Ottawa’s creative community beats a little quieter this week with the passing of Rhonda Mulder, the cherished tattoo artist at Tiger Tiger Tattoo Shop, who died peacefully on June 9, 2025, at the age of 42 after a brief illness.
Rhonda was not only a gifted artist, but a deeply empathetic soul who infused her work—and life—with meaning, care, and connection. Her passing leaves behind a void in the lives of her loved ones, colleagues, and the many clients who came to her not just for tattoos, but for healing, transformation, and understanding.
From a young age, Rhonda had a pencil in hand and a vision in mind. Her early years in Ottawa were marked by creativity and curiosity. She pursued visual arts academically and developed a keen understanding of design, form, and symbolism. But it was in tattooing that Rhonda found her truest artistic medium—a place where her personal mission to tell stories and connect with others could come fully alive.
Her tattooing career began at Five Cents Tattoo, where her natural aptitude and artistic voice blossomed. Soon, she became known for her custom pieces, blending fine lines, soft gradients, and vivid colors into works that often told stories of memory, loss, hope, or transformation. Floral themes, wildlife elements, and intricate symbolic pieces became hallmarks of her portfolio.
When she joined Tiger Tiger Tattoo Shop, Rhonda’s reputation only grew. The shop became her sanctuary, and her chair a sacred space. Her clients frequently spoke of her calm demeanor, listening ear, and the collaborative nature of her process. For many, the tattoos she created were not just body art but soul imprints—honoring milestones, loved ones, or life’s turning points.
“She would listen like a therapist, draw like a master, and tattoo like a poet,” said a frequent client. “Every appointment with Rhonda felt like coming home to yourself.”
But Rhonda’s light wasn’t confined to her art alone. She was a fierce believer in community and the transformative power of creativity. She volunteered regularly in art programs for youth facing adversity and worked with seniors in retirement homes, helping them create visual stories of their own lives. She saw art not as a luxury, but as a human right—and made it her mission to share it wherever she could.
Inside Tiger Tiger, Rhonda was a beloved teammate and mentor. She welcomed new artists with guidance, offered encouragement to apprentices, and created a culture of kindness and support. She could just as easily be found sharing in someone’s excitement over a new design as she could be spotted quietly brewing tea for a tired coworker.
Those closest to her describe a woman of remarkable grace—someone who brought light into every room, and who met each person with warmth, humor, and sincerity. Her laugh, gentle spirit, and fierce dedication to her craft touched everyone she met.
Rhonda leaves behind a legacy not only in ink but in the hearts and lives of all who knew her. Her work will continue to live on through the people she tattooed, the artists she mentored, and the communities she served.
A public memorial will be hosted by Tiger Tiger Tattoo Shop in the coming weeks to celebrate Rhonda’s life and contributions. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to local arts programs in her honor—something she championed throughout her life.
Rest in peace, Rhonda. You were more than an artist—you were a gift.