Olson & Parent Funeral Home is an organization guided by traditional values matched by a modern approach to meet peoples needs.
Olson & Parent Funeral Home specializes in providing care to families whom want an active role in choosing funeral options. While most traditional funeral promote large public visitation periods and services, we specialize in serving families who desire the flexibility to choose the funeral that results in the most meaningful expression of a life lived. We do not assume a traditional funeral is best for all families, and understand that many expenses can be curtailed by providing family oriented services. We provide all the necessary services of a Rhode Island licensed funeral home, but cater to families that value service over selecting expensive caskets, merchandise, and facilities. As more appropriate funeral services become increasingly favored by families, many are discovering that the simplest tradition, remains the best choice.
Olson & Parent's Funeral Home & Director
Olson & Parent Funeral Home is an independently owned and operated funeral home located in the historic city of Providence, Rhode Island. Formerly The William T. Forde Funeral Home, the Victorian home located at 417 Plainfield Street has been a funeral home since 1910. The home also serves as the residence for owners Tom Olson and his wife Louise Parent Olson.
Tom Olson is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the states Rhode Island and Massachusetts. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Rochester Institute of Technology and an Associates degree in mortuary science from The New England Institute summa cum laude. Tom was the Founders Prize recipient for excellence for his graduating year.
From Our Family to Yours
The Olson Family is active in many community organizations throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Tom believes in the religious and spiritual value of the funeral, but sees many changes being brought about by families living in this modern age. He embraces the idea that families want more options and alternatives to the age old, traditional funeral. Tom is also an avid gardener and woodworker and maintains the property and grounds at the funeral home. He has planted and maintains the memorial rose garden at the home with his wife, Louise.
Louise Parent Olson
Louise was born and raised in Aroostook County, Maine, bordering Canada. Growing up, Louise was surrounded by local and family entrepreneurs. After completing both her Bachelors and Masters degrees at Boston College, Louise launched a 27 year career as a Philanthropic Field Officer and Director. Her career began at her alma mater, then brought her to her new home state at Rhode Island School of Design and Johnson & Wales University.
Louise founded Olson & Parent Funeral Home with her husband Tom in 2004, but it was not until 2019 that she joined the family business full time. Louise’s highly developed human skills and compassion for others encourages her to strive to soften the hardest day of one’s life. Her religious upbringing and the values her family have instilled in her have shaped her approach through the importance of helping others especially during the difficult time of the loss by taking the time to learn one's perspective, understanding, and having compassion for others. Although Louise has a traditional Jesuit upbringing, one of the main tenets of her values is respect for other religions and cultures. She would even go as far as to say that the best part of her role at Olson & Parent has been the opportunity to learn, understand and embrace other religious and cultural values.
Louise strives to seek greater knowledge as well as give greater love, care and compassion to all those around her, especially the families and lives she has the privilege to touch through her work at Olson & Parent.
Formerly the William T. Forde Funeral Home
Olson & Parent Funeral Home
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