Olson & Parent Funeral Home is an organization guided by traditional values matched by a modern approach to meet peoples needs. 

• We are dedicated to providing personal service to families and individuals embracing the growing trend of desiring more meaningful and affordable cremation and "green" funeral services. 
• Our guiding principle is caring for others. We care for the deceased, but equally important, we care for their family, their relatives and their friends. 
• Our funeral directors and staff will ensure that all funeral arrangements are carried out to your exact specifications. We will explain clearly all that is required in arranging a funeral with the ultimate gain of taking away as much of the burden as we possibly can.  

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. 

Formerly the William T. Forde Funeral Home

Olson & Parent Funeral Home
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