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: CMS Annual General Meeting
📅 Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM (Mountain Time)
📍 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 and our exciting plans 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 palliative care in Alberta.

​Registration is simple: Members with an email address on file will receive registration details one month before the event. Look out for your invitation and sign up early to secure your spot!

💻 Can’t join via Zoom? No problem! Reach out to our team to explore alternative ways to participate.

Let’s work together to ensure CMS continues to provide accessible, affordable, and meaningful end-of-life planning services for all members.
​
Don’t miss this important opportunity to make your voice heard. See you on February 22!

MEETING MATERIALS

John P.

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​This service meant the world to our family. When my dad passed, everything—from bringing him into care to arranging the cremation—was smoothly handled. Knowing his wishes were honoured was comforting. The cost difference was striking too: my mom's funeral cost $8,000, while Dad’s through CMS was just $2,700. It was a relief to focus on saying goodbye without the stress of complicated arrangements or high costs. Thank you for easing a difficult time.

Arlene K., Calgary 

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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.
Sylvia Kasper,
Board Chair
Sylvia joined the board of CMS in 2007. She is a former crown prosecutor. She is actively involved in the Calgary Lithuanian Canadian Community. Sylvia currently directs the audit function of the board, assists with the payment processing of new memberships, provides group presentations and manages administrative issues.
Tim Duthie,
Vice Chair
Tim Duthie grew up in a rural family with deep roots in the cooperative movement. His first job was with a co-op in rural Alberta, and he went on to build over 20 years of experience working for and with cooperatives, including UFA. He is currently working with different organizations as a fractional sales leader.
Tim is also an active community volunteer, having coached numerous youth sports teams in hockey, basketball, soccer, and baseball. He also volunteers as a mentor with Higher Landing in "The Grizzly Den."
Debbie Patterson,
Treasurer
Deb Patterson joined the board in 2023 after volunteering on the End of Life Advisory Committee in 2022-2023. She assumed the role of Treasurer in January 2024.  
Deb brings a wealth of experience helping clients deal with end-of-life planning as part of her tax practice. 
Miriam Carey,
​Director
​Miriam Carey recently retired as a Full Professor of Political Science and Policy Studies at Mount Royal University in Calgary. With a focus on governance and leadership, she has served on numerous boards in the Calgary area for over 20 years. A CMS member and advocate since 2016, Miriam brings extensive experience to the board.Her past roles include Public Bencher for the Law Society of Alberta, Director of the Calgary Humane Society for over a decade (including Chair and Past Chair), and member of the Mount Royal University Board of Governors. Miriam also wrote 100 Years of Connecting Lives; Calgary Humane Society 1922-2022 to mark the Humane Society’s centennial. Additionally, she volunteers with the Foundation for Ontological Leadership Education, contributing to leadership training and faculty development.
Susan Costello,
Director
Susan Costello served on the CARP Board of Directors - Canada’s largest advocacy association for older Canadians. She retired from CARP in 2015 and joined the CMS board where she continues her advocacy efforts.
Terry Geib,
Past Chair
Dianne Fehr,
Director
​Dianne Fehr is a values-driven executive with 23 years of non-profit experience as a founder, builder, and leader. She is best known for establishing Windmill Microlending (formerly Immigrant Access Fund Canada), which became Canada’s largest microloan program, lending $20 million to 3,000 internationally trained immigrants over 11 years.As the founding Executive Director, Dianne shaped and led Windmill, earning national recognition and becoming a Finalist for the 2016 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards in the Social Change category. Skilled in stakeholder engagement and governance, Dianne brings strong communication abilities and an entrepreneurial spirit to her board work.
Don Gnatiuk,
​Director
​Don Gnatiuk holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Royal Roads University, as well as an associate degree in Fire Sciences and  a number of designations and certificates, including Board Oversight for Strategy Change Management, Crown Director Effectiveness and Not-for-profit Governance Essentials.  He holds an ICID.D designation from the Institute of Corporate directors, and has a strong record of Board membership.  He recently retired as President and CEO of Grand Prairie Regional College.  Don believes strongly in principled policy governance and open communication.
Ross McNichol,
Secretary
Ross McNichol joined the CMS board in 2023 after serving on the End of Life Advisory Committee from 2022 to 2023. A Chartered Professional Accountant, Ross ran his own practice until his retirement, when he sold it to a leading accounting firm in Calgary. Ross is currently serving as the Chair of the Financial Oversight Committee and is the Board Secretary.

Meet our Staff

Terry Geib,
​Executive Director
Terry Geib became the first Executive Director of the Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS) in 2024, after serving on the CMS board since 2009. With extensive experience on cooperative boards at both provincial and national levels, Terry brings deep expertise in governance, strategic planning, and community leadership.
In addition to her leadership role, Terry contributes to CMS through writing, graphic design, and strategic planning initiatives. She retired in 2023 from a 33-year career as a business strategist with The City of Calgary, and now focuses on guiding CMS’s growth and operations with a passion for cooperative principles and end-of-life planning.
Barb Montgomery,
Membership Services Coordinator
Barb Montgomery became the CMS Membership Services Coordinator in January 2017, following a 30-year career in hotels and hospitality. In her role, Barb manages membership inquiries, assists with telephone applications, maintains member records, and ensures smooth communication between members and service providers. Her warm, caring nature and attention to detail are highly valued by the Board.
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:
  1. Finance, Accounting and Audit
  2. Legal and Governance
  3. Marketing and Advertising (Build a campaign!)
  4. Member Engagement (Deliver Zoom or In-person Presentations)
  5. Social Media Posting
  6. Videography (Create 1-min infomercials)
Board Member Duties
Board members are expected to:
  • Prepare for and participate in board meetings either in-person or remotely
  • Listen to others’ views, advocate their own, identify common interests and alternatives, and be open to compromise
  • Support governance decisions once made
  • Participate in the review of the cooperative’s mission and objectives and in the development of a strategic plan
  • Help the board to monitor the performance of the cooperative in relation to its mission, objectives, core values and reputation
  • Abide by the by-laws, code of conduct, conflict of interest and other policies that apply to the board
  • Participate in the approval of the annual budget and monitor the financial performance of the cooperative
  • Help establish, review and monitor operational policies
  • Participate in the hiring of, and if required, the releasing of individuals or companies who are employed by or who provide consulting services to the Board
  • Participate on one or more board committees
  • Attend and participate in the Annual General Meeting
  • Be an ambassador for the cooperative
  • Keep informed about community issues relevant to the mission and objectives of the cooperative.
Board Term
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].
Read our most recent newsletter:
Foster & McGarvey now Connelly & McKinley
As of November 1, 2024, Foster & McGarvey Funeral Homes, a long-standing and trusted provider for our CMS members in the Edmonton area, will become part of the Connelly-McKinley family. This change reflects a shared commitment to compassion and continuity of care for you and your loved ones.

We want to reassure you that the personalized, respectful service you’ve come to know from Foster & McGarvey will continue under the Connelly-McKinley name. They remain dedicated to honoring all CMS member benefits and ensuring that the values we hold close—dignity, understanding, and support—remain central to their work.

If you have any questions or simply wish to speak with us about this transition, please reach out. We’re here for you, just as we’ve always been, every step of the way.
CMS Logo
Suite 204A, 223-12th Ave. S.W. Calgary, Ab. T2R 0G9
​(Appointments required)
1-403-248-2044 
​Toll free: 1-800-566-9959
[email protected]