Four generations and a funeral – meet the 22-year-old taking on the funerals of Torquay with his mum

A career in funeral care may not be an obvious choice for everyone, but one family has seen just how inspiring it can be. 

Torquay-based Kate Parsons, 48, started working in funeral care almost 10 years ago and is now a Funeral Service Manager for Co-op Funeralcare in the Bristol, Devon and Somerset region. Kate felt inspired to become a Funeral Director since the age of 11, with her grandfather and father - well-known Coroner’s Officer Ric Parsons - both having worked in the industry. 

Kate said: “I was always so interested in hearing about my grandfather’s work. With two family members in the industry, death has never been a taboo subject in our family; it was always respected and discussed openly. I knew from the age of 11 during a school careers day that this was what I was meant to do, but back then, women in funeral care were rare! I persevered and went on to complete my funeral directing diploma in 2008.” 

Kate’s dedication and passion for her work did not go unnoticed by her son, 22-year-old Jake. Jake had previously considered joining the police force but noticed the elements of that job he enjoyed the most were also present in funeral care. With so many relatives in this sector, it was something of a natural step for him to become a funeral arranger. 

"I have always been interested in funeral care and could see how rewarding the role can be,” Jake said. 

“With the recent loss of my dad, I was able to both experience first-hand and be a part of the care and support given by our team in the funeral home. This gave me the confidence and further confirmation that this role was for me.” 

Despite their shift to colleagues at Co-op Moorview Funeral Home being relatively new, Kate and Jake are working hard to ensure a balance between their professional and personal lives. 

“I am very proud of Jake and love the ‘proud mum’ moments I have when observing his progress in training and client care,” Kate said. “However, he knows I wouldn’t treat him any differently and respects that fully.” 

Jake said: “I’m really proud of being a fourth-generation Funeral Arranger and it feels so positive to work with a family member. I’m also keen to achieve and progress in my own right, which I know Mum will support me on.” 

Both Kate and Jake credit their teams and the wider support from Co-op Funeralcare for allowing them to thrive in their roles at the Torquay branch. 

“Although I have only been a part of the team for a short time, I have felt the process of seeing a funeral through from beginning to end is made even greater by being able to offer such vast choice and thorough aftercare,” Jake said. 

“Community engagement is something we are passionate about and Co-op allows us to go above and beyond in this area.” 

Kate added: “The difference we can (and have the privilege to) make, the support we can provide and the high standards of care we can give to clients and their loved ones makes me feel incredibly proud to be a Funeral Service Manager to the most amazing team.” 

To find out more about Torquay Co-op Funeralcare, visit:Moorview Funeral Home in Torquay, Barton Road - Co-op (coop.co.uk)