Olson & Parent Funeral Home, Inc. Obituaries

Obituary Preview: Joan A. Topalian (Capezza) of Narragansett accepted the Lord's invitation on Saturday, April 16, 2022, while surrounded by her family at Rhode Island Hospital.  A truly unforgettable, inspirational, exceptional and beloved daughter, sister, friend, nurse, mother, aunt, inventor and grandmother.  A Manhattan native, Joan moved to Rhode Island when she was sixteen. Upon graduating East Providence High School in 1958 she enrolled in the Cape Cod Hospital School of Nursing.  Joan graduated with an LPN degree in 1960 and  was immediately hired at Rhode Island Hospital. She worked every floor before joining the Pediatric Intensive Care (PIC) Unit until retirement in 1992.  Shortly thereafter, she briefly joined the clinical staff of Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston. Joan's in-depth medical knowledge, extensive pediatric nursing experience, solid commitment to patient safety and creative problem solving lead her to invent a durable medical equipment product for which the United States Patent Trade Office issued her a design patent. Joan's invention was selected for exhibition at the  Invention Convention in Boston and showcased on the People are Talking television show with host Tom Bergeron.  This patent was the first of several she would go on to receive for product designs evolving from her unique ideas. A highly creative individual, Joan relentlessly persevered with the development of each invention. She stayed the course despite naysayers. A great lesson in the importance of strongly believing in and advocating for oneself. Joan revealed her inner strength to an even greater degree when she underwent emergency surgery and subsequent hospitalization. A relentless fighter who fought hard around the clock for 18 days. She defied many odds gifting her children with additional precious time to love her. Joan strived to prevail and at times had surprised even some of the medical professionals.  Joan's family would like to thank her close friends Donna Travers of Swansea, MA, Nancy Irving of Warren, RI and Lori Snell Arias of Smithfield,RI; Pastoral Blessings received by Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian of Sts. Vartanantz Church in Providence and Resurrection Sunday Easter message by Pastor Robert R. McLaughlin of Grace Bible Church in Somerset, MA, the many exemplary North Providence First Responders and Rhode Island Hospital medical staff who provided the best possible emergency and post-surgical care available to Joan. Specifically, the physicians, physician assistants, nurses and CNAs of Rhode Island Hospital's emergency neuro-surgical team, neuro critical care team and 8A neurology team.  Those who were fortunate to receive Joan's loyal friendship and selfless love are truly lucky. A great listener who always prioritized others. She never turned her back on anyone for any reason whatsoever. Joan genuinely valued people and was quick to offer help. A cheerleader for underdogs. She enthusiastically encouraged others to pursue their big dreams and take chances. Joan seldom retreated away from a challenge. Instead, she would bravely face difficulties head on.  A remarkable example of how to courageously hold your own. She never gave up, a fighter through and through. Joan is predeceased by her parents William A. Capezza and Esther (Deutsch) Capezza and her sister Rosemary T. Rapoza.  Survived by her sisters Estelle M. Yoakum of Merriam, Kansas and Rose Marie Trainor of Las Vegas, her daughters Virginia Topalian of Narragansett, Kara Parrillo (William) of Warwick, Joan Topalian of North Providence and Kerri Topalian of Warwick. Grandmother of Nicholas L. Parrillo of Warwick, Aunt to John Yoakum (Kristi) of Smithfield, Dan Yoakum (Nancy) of Merriam, KS, Michael (Amy) of Georgia and Stephen (Jennifer) of Topeka, KS; Louise Hindman (Kurt) of East Providence, Rosemary Rapoza of Warwick, Robert Rapoza (Lorie) of Barrington, Michael Rapoza (Martha) of Warwick, Cathryn Vasconcelos (Henrique) of East Providence;  Lisa Trainor and Vincent (Jessica) Trainor and numerous great nieces and nephews. Memorial will be private. Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. Joan was a Friend of Hasbro Children's Hospital. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made in Joan's name to the Families Assistance Fund at Hasbro Children's Hospital, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903.

Obituary Preview: Kelley Alison Smith, a public health scholar and administrator at Brown University, proud progressive feminist, nonfiction writer, Unitarian Universalist, Alto II, avid amateur naturalist, fashion icon, lifelong cheese and honey enthusiast, and beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend, died at her home in Lincoln, RI, on April 1, 2022. She was 51. Kelley was born in January of 1971, when George Harrison's All Things Must Pass topped the charts and the release of Janis Joplin's Pearl encouraged fans to Get It While You Can. Kelley absorbed this notion early; she was, from childhood, deeply curious and engaged, astonishingly open to new experiences, fierce in her affections, profoundly empathetic, and enthusiastic about a wide range of interests, including singing, classic '70s television (which she'd often reenact with her younger sister Gillian), Lilly Pulitzer fabrics, and the study of French. An early dramatic effort, a film about Colonial Connecticut, presaged her fascination with American Studies, her distinct point of view, a talent for collaboration, and Kelley's greatest gift, her capacity for joy, even in middle school. She was outrageously good at having fun. Kelley was raised in Ridgefield, Connecticut, in the close-knit neighborhood of Mimosa, where she was known for an impressive vintage lunch box collection and the many voices with which she addressed her pets. She grew up in a loving home where the door was always open to friends, and where her family welcomed foster siblings from South Korea and Honduras. Her mother's warmth and concern for others were a hallmark of Kelley's childhood, qualities which Kelley carried into her own life. From her father, she gained both an appreciation of the outdoors, singing, and an undeniable presence on the dance floor. She was an active member of the youth group at Jesse Lee Church, where she also sang in musicals. She excelled at Ridgefield High School, cultivating friendships with students of such diverse interests and dispositions that often Kelley herself was the only point of connection between them. She also befriended teachers, whom she called by their first names the moment she graduated in 1989 (or before, in special cases). Though young, she could already rock a Pucci scarf. At Smith College, she majored in American Studies and became a member of the Smiffenpoofs, the oldest traditional all-female collegiate a capella group in the United States. During her undergraduate years, Kelley's natural instincts for caring connection, which had always marked her personal relationships, expanded into broader convictions about social justice. For the rest of her life, she remained committed to causes that promote feminism, civil rights for the LGBTQ community, environmental protection (especially of coral reefs), access to health care, and economic and racial equality. In 1990, she met Samantha Cole at the Newport Folk Festival. They started dating in 1993 and moved in together after Sam got back from traveling in Asia in 1997. Their daughter Carson was born in 2004. On May 18, 2005, Kelley testified before the Rhode Island House Judiciary Committee in favor of a bill supporting same-sex civil marriage. Kelley and Sam finally got married in Uxbridge, Massachusetts in 2006. The Massachusetts marriage was as official as it got until 2013 when Rhode Island followed suit and allowed two women spousal privileges. It took another two years for the United States to codify the union - 18 years after the two first hitched up the Uhaul. As an avid reader, Kelley once remarked that she was really a very ethical person 99% of the time, but twice, she permanently borrowed books from the "library" at her Nana's senior apartment complex. Also an avid thinker, Kelley earned a Master's Degree in American Studies at the University of Maryland in 1997 and later earned a Master's in Public Health in 2007 at Brown University, after working for several years at the Population Studies and Training Center. Kelley put her public-health degree to work conducting research on sexual and reproductive health, and she traveled to South Africa, Bangladesh, and Ethiopia in the course of her early career. In 2010 she, Sam, and Carson moved to American Samoa, where Kelley began a sojourn as field director on a project conducting diabetes research. She supervised a team, oversaw project finances, managed data quality, and encouraged office singalongs; highlights included a version of "Islands in the Stream" in full harmony with her colleagues. Although she missed fresh tomatoes, she loved the island, its people, and its natural wonders. She developed an enthusiasm for snorkeling that lasted the rest of her life. She soon became adept at identifying tropical fish of the Pacific. She particularly enjoyed searching for juvenile French angelfish and Moorish idols amidst blue starfish, or swimming to the spot where she could find ten different kinds of butterflyfish and multiple sea turtles just a minute from shore. She took particular pride in Sam's cottage industry selling artisan rosemary whole wheat bread and Carson's meteoric rise as an island hula-hoop phenomenon. That fall, after suffering a seizure, Kelley was medically evacuated to New Zealand, where she was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent her first craniotomy. She found it encouraging that Keith Richards had been through a successful brain surgery in the same hospital (knowing she hadn't done nearly as many drugs as he has); she was also bolstered by the view of the Ellerslie horse track out her window and the ritual of tea and biscuits twice a day. Ever the cultural omnivore, Kelley explored New Zealand during her difficult months of radiation and recovery, visiting vineyards, sulfur hot springs, local beaches, farmers' markets, and gannet colonies. She learned to count in Maori, realized a lifelong ambition to feed baby lambs, and attended a Sharon Jones concert. She also cultivated a nearly perfect New Zealand accent. In 2011, Kelley and her family returned to Providence. Under the care of an oncologist at Dana Farber, she resumed an active life-working back at Brown's Population Studies center as an editor and administrator, traveling, raising her beloved daughter, and becoming a pillar of the First Unitarian Church of Providence community. Five years ago, she, Sam, and Carson moved from their home in Riverside to a historic 18th-century house in Lincoln. Kelley had seen the house from the road and dreamed of living there, going for walks from her backyard to Lincoln Woods and searching for warblers and owls. All of these became a daily meditation for Kelley. Kelley was a source of joy and light to all who knew her. Through her academic career and her work at Brown she met and befriended people from all around the world, a tradition begun in her childhood. She loved snorkeling, bird-watching, gardening, music, books, good food, and the companionship of her adored cats. She traveled widely: India, Italy, Morocco, the Dry Tortugas to name a few. She especially loved spending a week or two every summer in the Adirondacks, a family tradition since visiting her grandmother's lake cabin when she was a child. She also served as backstage manager and emcee at the Harbor Stage of the Newport Folk Festival for nearly twenty years, where she introduced some of her favorite blues, folk, and gospel artists to enthusiastic crowds. Kelley was an expert thrift-store shopper, e-Bay bidder, and excavator of fabric treasures-Lilly Pulitzer prints, colorful batiks, Hermès scarves. She painted, drew, and wrote, and this winter she fulfilled a long-held ambition to publish a piece of creative writing when her poem appeared in the anthology, "Dear Vaccine: Global Voices Speak to the Pandemic." Kelley is survived by her beloved wife, Sam Cole; her daughter, Carson Cole; her sister, Gillian Smith and her husband Uwe Doeringer and their children Benjamin and Alexander; her parents, Judie and Gary Smith; her brother-in-law, Jason Cole and his wife Shelley and their children Parker and Hamilton; Carson's father, Jesse Damon and his husband Steven Kung; and legions of dear friends from every decade of her life. She leaves a legacy of love, grace, compassion, and laughter. Donations in her memory are welcome at a range of institutions including First Unitarian Church of Providence Kelley Smith Memorial Music Fund, the Adirondack Natural History Museum, Adirondack Museum, Smith College, Planned Parenthood, land and coral reef conservation programs, antipoverty programs/food banks, and social justice/relief/feminist organizations. Kelley would also love for linden, redbud, and mimosa trees to be planted in her memory. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 23rd at 2pm at First Unitarian Church of Providence, located at 1 Benevolent Street, Providence, RI 02906. Out of respect for Kelley and anyone else who immunocompromised, we would strongly advise that all guests be vaccinated, and face masks will be mandatory. Bright colors, scarves and hats are all encouraged. Street parking will be available but please allow enough time to walk a few blocks.

Obituary Preview: Robin Theriault of Cranston passed away on March 30, 2022. Her loved ones are composing her obituary, which you will be able to read here.

Obituary Preview: Tracey Anne Wichert, 46, of Coventry RI passed away unexpectedly at home on March 27. She is survived by her parents Deborah (Fogarty) and Robert Wichert, her brother Jason Wichert, her sister-in-law Julie (Mattscheck) Wichert, her sister Leigh (Wichert) Analetto, her brother in law Joseph Analetto, and her beloved nephews Reed Wichert, Rexton Wichert and Giuseppe Analetto. As well as her many Aunts, Uncles and cousins.Tracey loved animals and will be missed by her cat of 15 years, Frankie. She enjoyed a wide variety of interests including buying, selling and collecting vintage things, making crafts, reading and metal detecting. She was a fan of Jeopardy, Ancient Aliens and the NE Patriots. Tracey was grateful for time spent in western National Parks with family. She found peace in meditation and restorative yoga. Tracey wanted to believe in magic. She will be missed by all who knew her.A Celebration of her Life will be scheduled at a future date.

Obituary Preview: Jerianne Berman, 80, died Tuesday, March 22, 2022  in Providence, RI. Jerianne was the loving wife of the late Allan Berman, beloved mother of Jennifer Berman DeSisto (and spouse Bill), Andrew Berman (and spouse Kerri) and Michael Berman. She was the proud Nana of Joseph DeSisto Alling (and spouse Katherine), Isabella, Nathaniel, Jason, and the late Nicholas DeSisto.Jerianne worked for over 30 years at Butler Hospital as a Social Worker after getting her MSW at Rhode Island College in 1983. Jerianne's zest for life, generous heart, and vibrant personality attracted many friends throughout her life. After retirement, she embraced a new facet of her life through engagement at Hamilton House in Providence. At this organization she led and participated in countless activities, classes, and committees. She was an active participant in the Women's Circle at Greenwood Presbyterian Church in Warwick.

Obituary Preview: Wayne Benjamin Peacock, 83, died peacefully at home on March 21, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie Peacock, his children, Christopher (Melissa Easton) Peacock, Leslie (Jason) Jones, and Daniel (Robin) Peacock, whom he shared with his former wife, Morlean Peacock, and his grandchildren: Madeline, Benjamin, Devon, Henry, Carina, and Theodore. He is also survived by his Eau Claire, Wisconsin, cousins. He is predeceased by his parents, Florence (Gilbert) and Benjamin Noyes Peacock, and his brother, Dale Peacock.Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 23, 1938, Wayne grew up in the idyllic village of Wauwatosa, where he swam, ran, played tennis, and devoted himself to every sport he could find. A proud graduate of Wauwatosa High, he excelled in tennis. He ranked fifth in the United States in Boys Doubles at the age of 15, and he won the Wisconsin State High School Tennis Singles Championship in his junior and senior years.Wayne attended the University of Michigan, earning a full tennis scholarship, and received a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Along the way, he continued to win tennis honors, and was a devoted member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.Following graduation, Wayne found his way to an interview with Factory Mutual Engineering for the job of Trainee Loss Control Engineer. Factory Mutual was a worldwide property and casualty loss prevention engineering company. This trainee position lead to a 35 year career which Wayne adored. He steadily moved up the ranks, ultimately retiring as the Senior Vice President of Engineering at Allendale Insurance. He was filled with gratitude for the opportunities he met with at Allendale, including lifelong friendships, continued learning, and extensive travel. Along the way, he had an opportunity to live and work in England for eight years. His sense of adventure and curiosity were deeply fulfilled by this experience.Following his career at Factory Mutual and Allendale, he became a certified life coach. In recent years, he authored an autobiography.Wayne loved sports. All sports. He loved playing and he loved watching. In addition to tennis, he was an avid runner throughout his lifetime. He began running races in the 1970s, including the Boston Marathon, and ultimately competed in the Senior Olympics when he was in his 70s. He also traveled around the globe to ski, golf, and scuba dive.Football held a special place in his heart, first with his Packers (he was an Ice Bowl attendee) and then with his adopted team, the Patriots. Wayne was the very first person to purchase club seats in the then new stadium at Patriot Place in Foxboro, and a happy attendee at Tom Brady's first SuperBowl in New Orleans for the 2001 season.He was also particularly proud of his accomplishments in curling, a sport he loved and excelled at. While there was no high school curling championship in Wisconsin in Wayne's senior year, there was a high school bonspiel in Portage, WI, which Wayne and his fellow teammates won. When curling made it to the Olympics, Wayne was delighted.

Obituary Preview: David Corman of Providence, Rhode Island passed away on March 19, 2022. His loved ones are composing his obituary, which you will be able to read here.

Obituary Preview: Robert Goodell of Providence, Rhode Island passed away on March 19, 2022. His loved ones are composing his obituary, which you will be able to read here.

Obituary Preview: Maurice Roland Beaudry was born in Central Falls on August 17, 1951, and passed away surrounded by family at home on March 17, 2022. He is survived by his sister, Rita Major of Stoughton MA, and his children: Arthur Beaudry, Michael Beaudry, Sharon Beaudry, Nichole Pinto, Harmony Goff and Holly Goff. In addition, he is survived by several grand-children and his companion/soulmate, Mary Malone of Coventry, RI. Furthermore, the family would like to acknowledge and thank his lifelong friend and caretaker, Joe Dempsey for his support and unconditional positive regard.Among many things, Maurice (Moe) will be remembered for his immeasurable love, his selflessness, his love of playing cards, appreciation of restaurants, story-telling and laughter. His contributions as a plumber and Rigger (at the Civic Center, PPAC and The Vets) brought safety and entertainment to thousands of people. Moe will be beyond missed, though he lives in the hearts and memories of his beloved who are forever marked by his presence and generosity.Services will be private.

Obituary Preview: Manuel A. Viveiros, 70, beloved Father, Husband, and Grandfather, was called to his eternal resting place on March 15, 2022. He entered this world on April 25, 1951, in St. Michael, Portugal, born to Abel and Alberta Viveiros. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years Laudalina Viveiros, son Steven Viveiros; his daughter Diana Viveiros; grandson Cameron Viveiros; granddaughter Meah Viveiros.Manuel loved spending time with his family that meant the most to him. His favorite past time was fishing in Newport.A gathering will be held Saturday, March 26, 2022, beginning 9:00 a.m. followed by a Catholic Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church, 81 North Carpenter Street, East Providence, RI.

Obituary Preview: Norbert A. Raymond, 95, of East Providence, RI, passed away peacefully at home Monday, March 14, 2022. He was the beloved husband of Helen (Ciskowski) Raymond. They had been happily married for over 57 years. Born in New Bedford, MA, a son of the late Donat and Marie Anne (Begin) Raymond, he had lived in Seekonk, in the house that he built, for 56 years before moving to East Providence. Designing and building his home was a high school yearbook goal accomplished. A proud graduate of New Bedford Vocational Technical High School, Navy veteran, and member of LeFoyer Club, he had been a master carpenter for Ferland Corporation for 21 years before becoming self-employed and working until he was 87 years old. When he wasn't working or designing and building furniture, he could be found in his prolific vegetable garden, fishing, hunting, or traveling by RV across the US and Canada with his wife and daughter. Another love of his was good home cooking, especially using those garden veggies. Probably one of the reasons Norbert gave his son-in-law his blessing was because he complemented his brigade of chefs along with his wife and daughter. Known for his sweet tooth, you would hear him say often, "A good meal isn't complete without dessert." Besides his wife, he leaves his daughter, Andrea Corbett and her husband Quinn, of Pawtucket, his brother, Maurice Raymond and his wife Beatty, of Lakeland, FL, his sister-in-law, Ann Coska, of West Roxbury, MA, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was the brother of the late Gerard and Rolande Raymond and Laurent and Lucie Raymond. If desired, gifts in his memory to St. Vincent de Paul Society c/o Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, 385 Central Ave. Seekonk, MA 02771 or Friends of Friends Community Services Inc., 24 Pleasant St. Seekonk, MA 02771 would be appreciated.

Obituary Preview: David Paul DaSilva Jr. , 67, was called to his eternal resting place on March 13, 2022. Born on September 18, 1954, in Providence, RI. He enjoyed being a commercial fisherman for the better part of his life, and the freedom of the open sea. Preceded in death by his parents, David DaSilva and Priscilla Borenstein (Ferrara), and his late wife Robin DaSilva (Parent). He is survived by his son David DaSilva; son Joseph DaSilva; son Kevin DaSilva; son Jason DaSilva; daughter Kayla Pelletier; daughter Lindsey DaSilva; step-daughter Katlyn Almeida; step-daughter Jessica Goncalo; sister Nikki Ann Russell; sister Nancy Avila; brother Richard Roach and twelve grandchildren. A private service for the family will be held on March 25, 2022 at Swan Point Cemetery.

Obituary Preview: Merylyn Bishop of Providence, Rhode Island passed away on March 10, 2022. Her loved ones are composing her obituary, which you will be able to read here.

Obituary Preview: Catherine Manton was born on June 12, 1942, at her family home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the youngest of three daughters to Elva Elizabeth Greenawalt and John Manton. A sickly baby, she grew into a strong, sparkly and highly intelligent young person. She enjoyed helping with her mother’s large vegetable garden, playing the piano and performing as a majorette for her high school marching band. Despite significant abuse in the family, her upwardly-mobile parents strongly encouraged education for all three daughters.  Cathy’s sharp mind, determination and white privilege won her full scholarships for her bachelor’s and doctorate degrees from to University of Pittsburgh. She earned her PhD in Psychology by her mid-20s through a combination of hard work and amphetamines. At the University of Pittsburgh, she met and married Richard Edward Sobota of Latrobe, PA through their shared love of their Austin Healey sports cars.  They were both dreamers and left Pittsburgh to move to Rochester and eventually Boston which had captivated Cathy's interest as a 10-year-old on a family trip.In Boston she turned down her first offer for a teaching job at Endicott College (she was asked to use her maiden instead of her “ethnic-sounding” married name), took a teaching job at Northeastern and eventually a tenure-track position at Boston State College where she was the only woman in an all-male psychology department that was antagonistic to women in the workforce. Through her work she became involved in the anti-war movement, civil rights and feminism and taught an “encounter group” between Vietnam vets and the Boston police.  Her marriage with Richard deteriorated and towards the end they had one child, Mindy, in 1971.  She worked as a professional mother at a time when there were no job protections. For instance, there was no allowance for even unpaid parental leave and she was fortunate to have one week off after childbirth because Mindy was born at the beginning of her spring break. She attempted to breastfeed and pump in the toilet stall at work. She placed an ad for a nanny in the Boston Globe and received a death threat for not staying at home with her own baby.  She was eventually involved in a class action lawsuit that later paved the way for family medical leave. When she was not working, cooking, taking care of Mindy and assisting Richard to build a sailboat, she could often be found gardening late at night to transform their backyard on Beacon Street into an urban oasis. They enjoyed extended summer camping trips to their land in Nova Scotia.After her divorce she became a single parent and free spirit, connecting through anti-war folk and rock music with a fun-loving younger generation.  She struggled with relationships, addictions and her own mental health but usually landed on her feet and was practical and creative in dealing with adversity.  In order to continue living in the city and pay the mortgage, she sub-divided their 5-story brick townhouse into three 1-bedroom rental apartments.  After her college merged with the University of Massachusetts and the men in her department lost their jobs, she landed a job in Women’s Studies at UMass-Boston, which became a nurturing professional home.  She developed courses in Women and Food, led private classes for women with eating disorders to cook and do group therapy together and authored a book called Fed Up: Women in Food in America.  When money was tough, she took a series of second jobs including apprentice plumber and waitress to dedicate to Mindy’s private school education and their international travel including East Africa, North Africa and Europe.  A truly talented and creative cook, some of their best times were cooking and gathering in her kitchen or backyard with her diverse array of friends from various walks of life.After Mindy left for college and started her own life with Luke Walden, Catherine began to spend more time in her house in South Chatham, MA near her longtime friend Elaine Morse, and eventually retired and sold the Boston home. She designed and hired a contractor to build a beautiful addition to her house which backed up on conservation land where she enjoyed hearing owls and coyotes at night.  She found Vipassana meditation which resonated with her through her dying days. She began to travel extensively in East Asia and the Pacific Islands and taught English to young doctors in China for several winters.  She loved the solitude of the Cape, but also grew increasingly isolated and drank heavily.  Although she had some great years in recovery, she continued to struggle intermittently with addiction, chronic pain and mental illness.  She remained very dedicated to visiting Mindy and Luke (“the kids”) in New York City, where they had their first child, Ada, and then Portland, OR where they had their second child, Kai. She was a loving and enthusiastic mom and grandma and visited at least every few months and eventually rented an apartment in Portland.  After they moved back to Providence, RI she sold her house in South Chatham to move to an apartment nearby where the grandkids could visit her regularly.  In the fall of 2021, she was diagnosed with an incurable sarcoma and chose hospice without hesitation, enjoying several good months of close connection with Mindy, Luke and the grandkids and reconnecting with some old friends and family.  Catherine was not someone to dwell on looking back or forward too far - her only regret was not being able to finish seeing the grandchildren grow up. She was unafraid of death and died peacefully at Hope Hulitar Hospice on March 10, 2022, with Mindy at her side.

Obituary Preview: Evelyn Nancy Brown Leduc was born on November 4, 1928, to Dorothy Gabrielson Brown and Howard J. Brown, both deceased. Evelyn passed away on March 8, 2022. She was married to the late Wilfred J Leduc. She leaves behind two children, Sherry Lepine and Christopher Leduc (Linda) both of Harrisville, RI, three beloved grandchildren, Cameron, Ashley and Jilian and two great-grandchildren, Addison and Samantha. She was employed for 20 years at the former Tupperware plant in N. Smithfield as a group coordinator, retiring in 1984. A local seamstress and a sitter for 13 children over the years. After retiring she became a crafter of soft sculptures, winning many ribbons at local art and craft shows. She would like to thank old and new friends for making her passion a success for 30 wonderful years. God Bless you all.  Smile and you will be rewarded! The family would like to thank Beacon Hospice Care for their care & compassion. Flowers Omitted, No calling hours, Private funeral

Obituary Preview: Ronald Bruce of Cranston, Rhode Island passed away on March 6, 2022. His loved ones are composing his obituary, which you will be able to read here.

Obituary Preview: Harold S. Walters aka Whitey/Bunky, 85, was called to his eternal resting place on March 5, 2022. He entered this world in 1936 in New York, NY. He was a Korean War Veteran and served his country proudly. Harold was of Finnish descent, born to Harold S. Walters, Sr. and Selma Pilhman-Walters. He was the beloved husband of the late Erin O'keefe-Walters. Harold was a carpenter and expert woodworker by trade, learned by his Finnish elders. He became an influential contractor and builder and is known throughout New York and New England for his work. He prided himself in being up to date with politics, the stock market, and technology and was an avid reader. He loved music and he loved to dance. He loved the ocean and he loved to go fishing and boating with his only son, Peter. His favorite saying was "Don't worry. Be happy." and he lived his life like that. He will be forever loved and missed. He is survived by his children, daughter Billie Walters-Doherty and her husband Thomas and their three children Thomas, Flynn and Grace, his previous wife, Anne Smith and their daughter Jeannie Walters and her two children Rebecca and Lee, their son Peter Walters and his only child Peter Jr, and their daughter Patricia Walters- Silva and her husband Leonard and their two children Jade and Cassie. Harold also leaves behind eight beautiful great grandchildren. The family is planning a celebration of life at a later date.

Obituary Preview: Anatoliy Plugovoy of Lincoln, Rhode Island passed away on March 2, 2022. His loved ones are composing his obituary, which you will be able to read here.Flowers ordered for the service on this website, will need to be ordered prior to Monday, March 7, 2022 at 5 p.m. EST.  Order completed after that time will be presented to the family at a later date.

Obituary Preview: Peter Hosford of Rehoboth, Massachusetts passed away on February 27, 2022. His loved ones are composing his obituary, which you will be able to read here.

Obituary Preview: Dianne Mary Pelletier, 60, left this earthly realm on February 27, 2022, after a long battle with pulmonary hypertension. Dianne was married to late husband Emile Pelletier. She was born in Pawtucket RI, but resided in Wellford, SC.It is wrong to say Dianne lost her battle because she never stopped fighting. She was always determined. When anyone else would have broken, Dianne stayed strong. Through her we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like. There was no quit in Dianne. Just because she is no longer here doesn't mean she lost her fight.Dianne cannot be described by a single characteristic or trait. She was more complicated than that, yet at the same time she enjoyed the simplest things in life, like her work and her family. Family was the biggest thing in her life.Dianne is survived by her brothers Donald, John, and Mark Courtemanche. Her sister Donna Viveros. Most beloved by her children Tristen Pelliter, William Seastrom, and Danielle Fox. Diane was also grandmother to Harper, Emma, Evelyn, Alex, Santana, Gabriel, and Alexander. Dianne will be dearly missed.Services will be private.

Obituary Preview: Judith Conley of North Providence, Rhode Island passed away on February 26, 2022. Her loved ones are composing her obituary, which you will be able to read here.

Obituary Preview: Francisco Martinez, 65, beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather was called to his eternal resting place on February 25th. He entered this world on April 2, 1956 in Mexico born to Crispin and Irene Martinez. Services will be held on Saturday March 5th 2022 at Olsen and Parent Funeral Home. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 Francisco Martinez, nuestro querido esposo, padre, e abuelo fallecio el Viernes, 25 de Febrero, 2022 ala edad de 65. Entro a este mundo el 2 de April,1956 en Mexico de padres Crispin y Irene Martinez. Los servicios funerales seran el Sabado 5 de Marzo, 2022 en Olsen and Parent Funeral Home. Porque de tal manera amó Dios al mundo, que ha dado a su Hijo unigénito, para que todo aquel que en él cree, no se pierda, mas tenga vida eterna. Juan 3:16 Flowers ordered through this website must be ordered by 6 pm (EST) on Thursday, March 3, 2022

Obituary Preview: Hector Rene Lopez Romero, 75, passed away on February 23, 2022, at Rhode Island Hospital. Born in Guatemala City, he was the son of Rigoberto Lopez and Estela Romero. He met and married his wife Aura Victoria Lopez (Guerra). They were married over 40 years and were blessed with children: Gabriel, Dorrel, and the late Hector, Jr. "It broke my heart to lose you. You did not go alone. A part of me went with you the day God called you home. Revic Forever!" -- Aura VictoriaA funeral service for Hector is scheduled for Tuesday, March 1, 2022, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Olson & Parent Funeral Home, 417 Plainfield Street, Providence, RI 02909.Guests are advised to maintain social distancing and wear a mask to attend.Flowers ordered through this website must be completed before Sunday, February 27, 2022, at 5 p.m. EST.  Any flowers ordered after this time will be presented to the family following the service.

Obituary Preview: Giovanni Simeone of Providence, Rhode Island passed away on February 22, 2022. His loved ones are composing his obituary, which you will be able to read here.

Obituary Preview: Claudia Babcock of Ashaway, Rhode Island passed away on February 22, 2022. Her loved ones are composing her obituary, which you will be able to read here.