Traditional funerals are common when cremation is desired over an earth burial. A traditional green cremation service is exactly the same as a traditional funeral except for the burial. All services include visiting hours and a Mass or Church Service. After the Mass or Church Service, the casket and remains are brought to the crematory, not directly to the cemetery for burial.

The custom of honoring the deceased during a funeral ceremony at a church, chapel, or funeral home with the body present is no different from a burial. The Service or Mass is followed by a committal service at a cemetery or crematory. A traditional service also includes a period of calling hours or a wake, at a time chosen by the family, for a public or private gathering prior to the funeral.

A green traditional funeral does not interfere, or replace the practice of the funeral tradition described above. The only difference are the specific steps in the funeral service. Wakes and visiting hours may occur, but the body is not viewed by the public. Family members may view the remains for identification, but the deceased is not chemically embalmed with formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals required by law for a viewing. With the casket closed and made of biodegradable materials such as wood, seagrass or bamboo, visiting hours and a Mass or Church Service may be held. Olson & Parent Funeral Home has directed many funerals for families that have made the conscious decision to not have their loved one embalmed; and have selected a biodegradable casket. The casket or cremation container is made of biodegradable materials with no metal components or toxic glues or stains.

Olson & Parent has entrusted Swan Point Crematory to perform cremations for our families for over fourteen years. Swan Point Cemetery and Crematory is located at 585 Blackstone Blvd. on the East Side of Providence. They constructed a new crematory in 2016 utilizing a more efficient, computer controlled system than used by other crematories in Rhode Island. The crematory chapel was also expanded at this time.