Who We Are
We are a member-owned funeral planning cooperative serving Albertans since 1966. Partnering with locally-owned funeral homes in major centres across the province, we ensure access to affordable funeral arrangements and pre-planning services, making dignified end-of-life care available to every Albertan.
How We Work
Our work is guided by integrity, compassion, and expertise. We empower our members through education and advocacy, and ensure compassionate support is available through our trusted funeral service providers to navigate end-of-life planning.
What We Do
What we do: We offer strategies and resources for affordable and respectful end-of-life planning. Guided by cooperative values, we adapt to meet our community's evolving needs. We foster inclusivity, value diverse perspectives, and advocate for the dignity of every individual. Our expertise provides compassionate, informed, and equitable support to our community.
Our Events
Our events support and engage our members and community through educational workshops, community gatherings, member meetings, public awareness campaigns, and collaborative events. Our events are designed to educate, connect, and provide compassionate support to our community.
Mark Your Calendar: Please attend our Annual General Meeting
📅 Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM (Mountain Time) - 2:30 PM 📍 Location: Online via Zoom Your voice matters! As a member of the Cooperative Memorial Society, you are vital to shaping our future. The AGM is your opportunity to stay informed, contribute your ideas, and ensure that CMS continues to deliver the affordable, compassionate services our members count on. We need your participation to meet quorum and keep our cooperative thriving. Last year, we had strong registration numbers but fewer attendees. This year, let’s change that! Your presence is crucial. What’s in it for you? ✔️ Updates on CMS initiatives – Learn what we’ve achieved, our strategic plan and our initiatives for 2025. ✔️ Financial transparency – Review our budget and key financials. ✔️ Your chance to vote – Help shape decisions that impact all members. ✔️ Engage with leadership – Meet your CMS board and executive director. ✔️ Special guest presentation – Learn more about Advance Care Planning and Palliative Care in Alberta from Tyler Hamil of Covenant Health. Register for the AGM Don’t miss this important opportunity to make your voice heard. See you on February 22! Meeting Materials |
Why Join?
Cost Savings: We offer affordable end-of-life planning services that ease financial strain on families.
Simplified Planning: Our pre-planning services reduce stress for families and ensure members' wishes are respected. Consumer Protection: We ensure transparent pricing and services to protect members from unfair practices. Community Support: We create a supportive community that offers emotional connection and care. Advocacy and Education: We advocate for better end-of-life care and educate the public for informed decision-making. Respectful Services: We ensure dignified, compassionate services that honour members' wishes. Learn more by expanding the topics listed below:
Value-Added Service for Albertans
The Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS), founded over 50 years ago, helps Albertans access affordable funeral services. As a non-profit cooperative, we partner with locally-operated providers to offer discounted funeral plans. Members typically save around $3,500 by selecting one of our basic plans. Prepaying provides additional savings by locking in today’s prices and ensures peace of mind for loved ones, knowing everything is arranged in advance. Benefits of Membership
Joining CMS ensures your final wishes are respected and gives you access to affordable funeral plans with trusted providers. Our partnerships with reputable funeral homes guarantee the care you and your family deserve. Upon joining, you can record your preferences and vital information without needing to prepay for services. This simple process ensures your wishes are clear and provides essential details to assist your loved ones in registering your death. The biggest benefit is peace of mind—organizing your plans now spares your family from emotional, rushed decisions and unexpected financial burdens. Your membership is transferable across Canada and North America for a small fee, offering flexibility if you move. Even if you return later, your CMS membership remains valuable. Plus, children under 18 are included in their parent’s membership at no extra cost. Join CMS today and provide peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones. How we Operate
As a cooperative, we are member-owned and governed by a volunteer board of up to 12 directors. Our team includes a part-time Membership Services Coordinator and Executive Director to support our growing operations. Each year, we hold a special member meeting via Zoom, distribute four email newsletters, and offer a variety of presentations on relevant topics. Our next AGM is February 22, 2025 1:00 PM. To be held by Zoom. Registration details and a link to participate will be emailed to members, a month prior to the AGM. Time of Need Assistance
If you are dealing with member death, please contact one of our service providers directly. What to do when a loved one dies.
"Saying Farewell Handbook - A guide to assist you with the death and dying process" (Government of Alberta) Funeral Planning Guidance Form
(Hard Copy) Book a Presentation
We’d love to connect with your group! Whether in person, online, or over the phone, we offer presentations for groups of 10 or more who want to learn about our services and how we can help. Just reach out to us at [email protected] or give us a call at 403-248-2044. We look forward to hearing from you! Dealing with the Death of a Member
If you are dealing with the loss of a family member who had a CMS membership, contact one of our service providers in your area for immediate support—without pressure to make additional purchases beyond the preferred plan. The funeral home will verify the membership in our database and provide any instructions left by the member. From there, you'll work together to select the appropriate plan. Simply follow our step by step guide to navigate the process smoothly. Update your Contact Information
Please email us your full name, old address and new address, your email and phone numbers to: [email protected] Meet our Board of Directors
We currently have 10 directors. Operating under the framework of our bylaws, board policies, and procedures, the board collectively crafts a long-term strategy to steer the organization.
Terry Geib,
Past Chair
Meet our Staff
Vacant Board Positions
The board is looking to fill several director positions and is looking for members willing to sit on committees. A great way to give back and gain valuable experience! Qualifications In addition to the qualifications required under the Cooperatives Act of Alberta, directors must have a membership in the cooperative, be committed to the cooperative’s mission and strategic directions, be willing to commit the time required, assume responsibilities needed to manage the cooperative effectively and be open to learning. An ideal candidate for board membership will have some experience in one of the following areas:
Board members are expected to:
Board Director Terms are for three (3) years to a maximum of three (3) consecutive terms. Committee terms are one year with the option to renew. How to apply Interested candidates should contact our Board Chair, Sylvia Kasper at 403-248-2044 or [email protected]. Stay Informed with the CMS Newsletter
The CMS newsletter keeps our members informed with valuable updates, expert insights, and practical tips on end-of-life planning. From upcoming events and educational resources to important industry news and member stories, our newsletters are designed to empower you with knowledge and keep you connected to the CMS community. Stay informed and make the most of your membership by reading our latest updates!
Access past copies. - For Calgary and Area Members -
The Value of PrePaying for Your Funeral: Act Now to Lock in Today's Rates January 2025
Planning ahead for your funeral is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can leave your loved ones. It eases their emotional and financial burden, ensures your wishes are followed, and allows you to make decisions calmly and intentionally. While pre-planning is essential, prepaying for your funeral offers additional advantages, especially in today’s uncertain economic climate. At the Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS), we understand the importance of affordability and transparency. That’s why we negotiate contracts with trusted, locally owned funeral homes like McInnis & Holloway. However, our current contract with McInnis & Holloway expires on December 31, 2025. While we anticipate negotiating a new contract, funeral prices are expected to increase in Calgary and the surrounding area once the new agreement is in place. Based on past contract renewals, new pricing may take effect as soon as the contract is signed, which could happen before the end of 2025. To ensure you lock in the current rates, we strongly encourage you to make your arrangements as soon as possible, preferably before November 2025. Why Prepay Now? Prepaying locks in today’s prices, protecting you from future cost increases. With inflation driving up the costs of goods and services, securing your funeral arrangements now ensures you’ll pay significantly less than if you wait. This is especially critical given the anticipated price adjustments when our contract is renewed. When you prepay through CMS’s negotiated plans, you not only benefit from discounted pricing but also ensure your arrangements align with your values and budget. However, it’s important to note that if you move, the transferability of your prearranged plan depends on the funeral home in your new location. If your new city does not have a funeral home affiliated with a memorial society, additional funds may be required to cover the difference. Even if a memorial society-affiliated funeral home is available, they may not accept the assignment of your contract without extra funds being added. Understanding these potential limitations can help you make an informed decision about prepaying. How to Get Started
A Final Thought Prepaying for your funeral is more than a financial decision—it’s an act of love and responsibility. It ensures your wishes are honoured and spares your loved ones from unexpected expenses during an already difficult time. If you have questions or need assistance with pre-planning, contact us at CMS. Our team is here to help you make informed decisions about your end-of-life plans. Don’t wait to secure your peace of mind—prepay now to lock in the savings and ensure a smooth transition when the current contract ends. For more information, visit our website or call McInnis & Holloway directly to begin your arrangements today.
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