It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Christine Kent, 51, of Wakefield, Rhode Island, who passed away at home on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

Christine was the beloved wife of Jessica Kent, the love of her life, and the devoted mother of Olivia Foisy and Bailey Kent.

She survived by her parents, Jean & Galen Johnson and Thomas & Sandi Olivier, her brothers, Thomas A. Olivier and Bryan DenBleyker, as well as her second-family siblings, Renee Heffron and husband Matt, Toby Johnson & his wife Leanne, and Marjorie Hurley and her husband Mason, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends. Christine was a cherished daughter, sister, mother, wife, and friend.

Christine had a remarkable ability to make everyone around her feel seen, welcomed, and loved. She lit up every room she entered with her beautiful smile, which matched the generosity and compassion of her heart. Christine always gave herself freely, wholeheartedly, finding ways to help, encourage, or simply be there for someone who needed her.

Christine devoted her professional life the past ten years to serving her community as Vice President, Development & Chief Philanthropic Officer and Executive Director of the South County Health Foundation. Previously, she served as Chief Operating Officer of House of Hope CDC in Warwick, Rhode Island. Christine proudly served on numerous community boards, the South County Chamber of Commerce, where Christine was Immediate Past President, the South County Museum, Welcome House of Rhode Island, and the South County Pride Foundation.

Christine gave 110 percent of herself into everything she did and cared deeply about the people she served and took the time to truly know them, her volunteers, staff, donors, colleagues, and friends. To Christine, people were never simply part of a job or an organization. She truly loved her work and her community.

Christine's family was always her greatest love. She was the glue that held Jess, the girls, and her three dogs together, and the puzzle piece that made their family whole. Christine's greatest joy was her daughters, Olivia and Bailey, whom she loved with every part of her heart. She loved both girls with the same fierce, stubborn, unconditional motherly love she had always shown her family. Christine shared a special bond with her mother, Jean, and together they were partners in crime, creating memories that will be treasured forever.

Christine found her soul mate Jessica, which in one in another was something truly special. What they started together, was built on love, friendship, laughter, respect, and an unwavering partnership. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to what it means to find your person, to love each other completely and to build a life together surrounded by family, friends, and memories.

Through Jessica, Christine became part of a whole new Kent family, and she embraced them wholeheartedly. Her life was filled to the brim with people she loved, people who loved her, and a family that grew larger because of her.

Christine was deeply loved, will be profoundly missed, and will remain forever in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Calling hours will be held in Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield, RI on Thursday, August 20th from 4-7 pm with a memorial service at 6 pm. A celebration of Christine's life will be announced at a later date, where her family and the many, many people whose lives she touched will come together to honor and remember her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Christine's memory to Animal Rescue RI or the Cape & Islands Veterans Outreach Center, two causes that reflect her deep compassion for others and her strong connection with Jessica.