Katherine E. Young

Katherine E. Young (Olszewski), 37, of Greenville, RI, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Rhode Island Hospital. She was the beloved partner of 14 years to Richard "Ricky" E. Young. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of Stephen C. and Cheryl A. (Mulcahey) Olszewski. She was the granddaughter of Dora and the late Daniel Mulcahey and the late Theodore and Olga Olszewski.
Growing up in Coventry, RI, Katherine's childhood was filled with family parties where she developed close bonds with her cousins and developed an early love for delicious food. During childhood, she learned to play the piano from her neighbor, explored art with her mom, and played recreational soccer alongside her sister. A graduate of Coventry High School, she continued her education at Gordon College earning a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. She later went on to achieve a Master's Degree in Education from the College of St. Rose in Albany, NY.
Katherine worked in many different contexts before settling in Rhode Island and always brought passion and dedication to everything she did. Everywhere she went, she made a lasting impact. Katherine's deep empathy and generous heart is evident through her trips to Zambia where she volunteered with the Chikumbuso organization. She continued to sponsor multiple young people in Zambia to support them in their livelihood and education.
In her most recent role at Smithfield High School, Katherine was a passionate teacher of music, chorus, band, and theater for the past 10 years. From the beginning of her time there, she sought to expand the music department, knowing the impact that a vibrant music community could have on the students. She was instrumental in reviving the musical theater program at the high school, and eventually contributed to the musical productions at the middle school. She was dedicated to her students, not only as a teacher, but also as a mentor and advocate who provided support to anyone who needed it. She breathed life and love into everything in which she was involved.
In her spare time, Katherine was a passionate cook who provided countless delicious meals to family and friends. One of the most hospitable people, she warmly welcomed everyone into her home and extended such warmth (and a delicious salad) to any gathering. Through all of this, she put the needs of others before herself. For the last year, Katherine was a member of the music team at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Pawtucket and faithfully sang every Sunday morning. Her love for soccer and music poured out through coaching her son's soccer team and teaching her daughter to play piano. She found joy and peace paddleboarding out on the lake and soaking in her hot tub. Her 'can-do' attitude was an inspiration, she could be more productive in an hour than most others could in a day, and she could almost always be seen with a bright smile even through the difficult moments.
Although departed from this world, Katherine lives on through the memory and love of her partner, parents, children Remy and Ramona Young, sister Christina Wolf of Providence, and all who knew and loved her.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 11am - 12pm in the Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick, RI with a Celebration of Life service to commence at 12pm. Her current and former students are planning a vigil to be held at a later date. There will be a private burial with family. In lieu of flowers, contributions to support the future needs of her adoring children can be made by typing and visiting the following GoFundMe link: (https://gofund.me/bae436c0)
For those that are unable to attend the Celebration of Life service at Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home, there will be a livestream available via both Zoom and directly on the Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home Facebook page. If using Zoom, please use the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88292892806?pwd=IU0oa5EVQMzncMRigEITKcEQC00s9r.1