The Westport community is mourning the heartbreaking and unexpected loss of Denise R. (Parent) Olson, who passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the age of 74.
Denise was the beloved wife of the late David L. Olson, with whom she shared 49 years of marriage built on love, family, and unwavering devotion.
Born in Fall River, Denise was the daughter of the late Robert E. and Juliette C. (Menard) Parent and spent most of her life in Westport, where she became a familiar and cherished presence in both her parish and community. A dedicated Registered Nurse, she spent her career caring for others in the operating room at St. Anne’s Hospital in Fall River, touching countless lives with her compassion and professionalism before her retirement.
Her faith was central to her life. Denise was a devoted communicant of St. George Church in Westport, where she faithfully served as a Eucharistic Minister. Outside of her work and ministry, she found joy tending her gardens, staying active, and embracing every opportunity to gather with family and friends. Her greatest happiness came from spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many people whose lives she enriched through her warmth, generosity, and vibrant spirit.
Denise leaves behind her loving children, Matthew D. Olson and his wife, Traci, of Fall River; Melissa A. Jerome and her husband, Adam, of Dartmouth; and Jonathan R. Olson of Westport. She is also survived by her brother, Robert E. Parent and his wife, Madeleine, of Fall River; her sisters, Vivianne J. Parent of Assonet, Janice R. Silvia and her husband, Michael, of Westport, and Elaine L. Margarida and her husband, John, of Westport; her five cherished grandchildren, Ashley, Julie, Hannah, Jennifer, and Noah; her two adored great-grandchildren, Maisy and Louise; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever treasure her memory.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Denise’s life on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, beginning with a funeral from Potter Funeral Home, 81 Reed Rd., Westport, at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. George Church at 10:00 a.m.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Interment will follow at Beech Grove Cemetery, Westport.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Denise’s memory may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at https://pancan.org.
