Cari Hays FDR3156 and AE14086

Funeral Director and Embalmer Apprentice

Called to be in the service of others, Cari first went into the U.S. Army as a counselor for both active duty and civilian members. Later she started her own company working and for over 20 years provided estate management services to families after a loved one’s death. Finally, she shifted back to her original goal in life and became a funeral director. Adding adjunct skill sets along the way, Cari uses a wholistic approach to ensure that each family receives the care they need.

Telephone: 1-707-539-2921

Email: 

Daniel Tellez

Co-owner

For the past 35 years Dan’s company DRT Enterprises, Inc. has provided management services to cemeteries across the nation. Including the National Cemetery Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs. A Native Californian residing in both Morgan Hill and Petaluma. Dan is committed to ensuring all families be blessed with dignified closure. Co-owner of Parent Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory since 2022.

Telephone: 1-707-763-4131

Email: 

James M. Smith FDR1708 EMB6336 CRM156

Co-owner, Funeral Director and Crematory Manager

Born, reared and educated in Petaluma, Jim is a third generation “Petalumian”. He graduated from St. Vincent High School, attended Santa Rosa Junior College, and graduated from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science. Jim joined the staff of Parent Funeral Chapel in June of 1973 as a funeral director and embalmer. In 1977 he became a partner along with Martin “Buzz” Rodgers and Arthur W. Parent and in 1981 Jim and Buzz purchased the remaining stock from Mr. Parent. The following year, Jim and Buzz purchased the Sorensen Funeral Home and merged the businesses to the Parent location. In 1984 they opened a branch in Sebastopol and in 2005 purchased the Lafferty and Smith Colonial Chapel in Santa Rosa. As an active member of our community, Jim has been a member of the Petaluma Kiwanis Club for 47 years, a longtime member of the Petaluma Elks Lodge #901, Nicasio Parlor #183, Native Sons of the Golden West, Harmony Grove Druids, Sonoma-Marin Italian Club, Italian Catholic Federation, Sebastopol Council Young Men's Institute, Petaluma Golf and Country Club and Bodega Harbour Golf Club. He has also served on the boards of the Petaluma Chamber of Commerce, San Antonio Volunteer Fire Department and the Petaluma Educational Foundation. He is a member of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Parish in Bodega, CA. Jim and his wife Jackie have been married since 1979 and reside in Bodega Bay. Jackie retired after a 36 year career as an elementary school teacher in Windsor, CA. 

Telephone: 1-707-763-4131

Email: 

Jason Vigil

Funeral Associate and Coordinator

Born and raised in Sonoma County, Jason has had the privilege of assisting families and his teammates for over 3 years at Parent-Sorensen. He is known for being a “Jack of all trades” in the office.  An exceptionally hard worker, Jason is committed to each task he begins. Doing double time, he is also a full-time student at Sonoma State University working towards his degree in Psychology.

Telephone: 1-707-763-4131

Email: 

Jeanne Dreikosen

Accounting Administrator

Having been a bookkeeper for 50 years she has specialized in Cemetery and Funeral accounting and bookkeeping for the past 35 years.

She has been with Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory for over 20 years and appreciates working with such a dedicated and caring team.  Jeanne and her husband David have lived in Petaluma for over 50 years. Both of their sons went to local schools and graduated from Casa Grande High School.  They have 2 Grandsons who are the “light of their lives”! Jeanne is a life-long Giants Fan and she and David have thoroughly enjoyed having Giants Season Tickets for 21 years. Her favorite activities include spending time with her grandsons and family, getting together with friends, and watching the Giants or Warriors on TV when she’s not at a game.

Telephone: 1-707-763-4131

Email: 

Jody Atkinson

Funeral Administrator

Parent-Sorensen's own death certificate and permit "Whisperer". Able to keep records organized in a single bound. Providing impeccable stealth support for all business operations.

Telephone: 1-707-539-2921

Email: 

Melinda "Mindy" Freeman

Advanced Planning Specialist

Telephone: 1-707-478-0486

Email: 

Nou Andee

Funeral Arranger

Telephone: 1-707-763-4131

Email: 

Renee Cardenas

Arrangement Counselor- Sebastopol Location

After several years in the graphics industry, and looking for more meaningful work, Renee decided to pursue her interest in the funeral industry. Renee’s greatest hope is to make some of the hardest moments in peoples’ lives a little easier to endure. Renee has dedicated herself to the families of Parent-Sorensen Mortuary in Sebastopol and Lafferty & Smith Colonial Chapel for over 16 years. Above all else, Renee hopes to honor the needs and wishes her families bring to her and to address their concerns with empathy and care. 

Telephone: 1-707-829-5433

Email: 

Roger Ward

Crematory Operator and Funeral Arranger

Telephone: 1-707-763-4131

Email: 

Tamila Meyer

Accounting Administrator

Telephone: 1-707-763-4131

Email: