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Who We ArE

We are a member-owned funeral planning cooperative serving Albertans since 1964. Our focus is on providing affordable funeral arrangements, pre-planning services, and consumer advocacy. We are dedicated to ensuring every Albertan has access to dignified end-of-life services through our network of over 40 locally-owned funeral homes. Our mission is to empower our members with education, support, and fair pricing.
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How we work

Our work is guided by integrity, compassion, and expertise. We prioritize our members' needs, collaborate with locally-owned funeral homes, and offer comprehensive planning services. We empower members through education and advocacy, maintain high service standards, and provide compassionate support to navigate end-of-life planning.
Value-Added service for Albertans 
The Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS) was formed more than half a century ago by individuals who didn't want to pay the high fees for traditional funeral services when all they wanted was a simple economical funeral. Formed and run as a non profit co-operative, we work with locally-operated service providers to provide discounted funeral plans for our members across Alberta . Members can save on average $3000 by choosing one of our plans. Money can also be saved by prepaying plans to lock in the price at the contract price.  
Benefits of Membership
Joining CMS secures the fulfillment of your final wishes and grants access to affordable funeral plans through our trusted service providers. Our partnerships with exceptional funeral homes guarantee you and your next of kin the care and attention you deserve.

Upon enrolment, you can specify your preferences and vital statistics without the need to pre-purchase your funeral. This streamlined process not only captures your wishes for body disposition but also provides essential information for your loved ones to register your death.

The most significant advantage is the peace of mind gained by organizing your affairs now, sparing your next-of-kin from hasty, emotionally challenging decisions, and substantial financial burdens.

Your membership is transferable among societies in Canada and across North America for a modest fee paid to the new location, offering flexibility if you plan to relocate. Even if you move, maintaining CMS membership proves valuable should you return at a later date.

As an additional benefit, children under 18 are covered under their parent's membership until they reach adulthood. Join CMS today and ensure peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones.
How we Operate
As a cooperative we are owned by our members represented by a volunteer board with up to 12 directors. We have a paid part-time Membership Services Coordinator and plan to add an Executive Director to manage our growing operations. Each year we host a special meeting for members by Zoom, distribute four email newsletters, and host a variety of presentations on different topics.
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. 
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"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 can provide in-person, online or telephone presentations to any group with 10 or more people interested in learning more about our organization and the service we provide.  Please contact us at [email protected] or 403-248-2044.
Dealing with the death of a Member
If you are faced with dealing with the death of a family member with a CMS membership, please contact one of our service providers in your area. You will receive immediate assistance with no pressure to make additional purchases. The funeral home representative will verify membership through our database and share with you any instructions left by the member. Your next step will be to identify the appropriate plan.  Follow our step by step list...  
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.
Terry Geib,
Past Chair
Terry joined the board of CMS in 2009 after serving on numerous co-operative boards at provincial and national levels. In addition to her work leading the board, Terry assists with writing and graphic design work and leads the strategic planning for CMS. Terry retired in 2023 from her role as a business strategist after 33 years with The City of Calgary. ​
Tim Duthie,
Vice Chair
Tim comes from a rural family with solid roots in the cooperative movement. His first job was with a co-op in rural Alberta, and has over twenty years of experience working for and with co-operatives. Tim has volunteered with many youth sports teams in hockey, basketball, soccer, and baseball.
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Debbie Patterson,
Treasurer
Deb 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. She has written a Grief Plan (planning binder) which she provides to her clients. 
Miriam Carey,
​Director
​Miriam Carey is a recently retired Full Professor of Political Science and Policy Studies at Mount Royal University in Calgary.  With a particular interest in governance and leadership, she has volunteered on several Boards in the Calgary region over the last twenty years.  Since 2016, she has been a member of, and an advocate for, the Cooperative Memorial Society.
Miriam was a Public Bencher for the Law Society of Alberta for six years, served on the Mount Royal University Board of Governors while a faculty member, and was a Director of the Calgary Humane Society for over ten years, the last four of which she served in the roles of Chair and Past Chair. Her last volunteer contribution to the Humane Society was to research and write its history in celebration of its centennial in 2022: 100 Years of Connecting Lives; Calgary Humane Society 1922-2022 (available from Calgary Humane Society).  She also volunteers for the Foundation for Ontological Leadership Education and contributes both leadership training and faculty development to its work.
Susan Costello,
Director
Susan 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.
Dianne Fehr,
Director
​An accomplished, values-driven executive with 23 years' experience in the non-profit sector as a starter, builder, and leader, Dianne has been recognized for establishing and growing innovative, high-impact programs with outstanding outcomes.
Dianne’s most significant professional achievement was building Windmill Microlending (formerly Immigrant Access Fund Canada) - a microloan program helping internationally trained immigrants pay for the licensing and training they need to work in their field in Canada-into the country's largest and most successful micro loan program. As founding Executive Director, Dianne had the privilege of imagining, shaping, and leading the Windmill program, which lent $20 million to 3,000 new Canadians over 11 years. Windmill has become known internationally for its innovative model, and Dianne was named a Finalist for the 2016 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards for the Social Change Category for her work with Windmill.
Dianne excels at building stakeholder relationships and has a broad understanding of board governance, acting as a supportive partner to board leadership. Her strong presentation, verbal, and written communication skills complement her enthusiastic and entrepreneurial spirit.
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 became a board member in 2023 following his voluntary service on the End of Life Advisory Committee from 2022 to 2023. A Chartered Professional Accountant by profession, he operated his own practice until his retirement, at which point he sold it to a prominent accounting firm in Calgary.
Mike Meredith, 
​Director 
Mike joined our board in 2023. He holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of New Brunswick and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography from McGill University.  Mike has been practicing law since 2006 in the jurisdictions of Alberta, as well as Ontario, the United Kingdom, and Germany.  In 2015 he started his own law firm with a focus is on wills and estates, corporate law, and residential real estate. Mike is involved in his community association and volunteers with public legal education and teaches skiing with the Canadian Adaptive Snowsports Association. 
Barb Montgomery,
Membership Services Coordinator
Barb became the CMS Membership Services Coordinator in January 2017 after a 30 year career in hotels and hospitality. Barb's warm and caring personality and attention to detail is appreciated by the entire 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].

WHat we do

We provide strategies and resources for affordable and respectful end-of-life planning. Rooted in cooperative values, we continuously adapt to meet our community's evolving needs. We foster a culture of inclusivity, valuing diverse perspectives, and advocating for the dignity of all individuals. Our expertise ensures compassionate, informed, and equitable support for 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. We also facilitate support groups and special initiatives. Our events are designed to educate, connect, and provide compassionate support to our community.

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Why join?

Cost Savings: We offer affordable funeral and memorial services, especially beneficial for families facing financial challenges.

Simplified Planning: We help our members pre-plan end-of-life arrangements, reducing stress for families and ensuring wishes are respected.

Consumer Protection: Transparent pricing and services protect members from exploitation in the funeral industry, ensuring fair treatment.

Community Support: We foster a sense of community and support among members, providing emotional benefits.

Advocacy and Education: We advocate for better end-of-life care and educate the public on options for informed decisions.

Respectful Services: We provide dignified services, honouring members' wishes with care and compassion.

​Join Us for an Upcoming Presentation

​Friday, October 4th 10 AM - 3 PM
​125, 565 - 36 Street, NE Calgary, AB T2A 6K3
Visit us at the Centre for Newcomers Seniors' Expo
You'll have the opportunity to explore community resources, programs, and services for seniors through complimentary presentations, workshops, leisure activities, and clinics. Learn more at: https://www.centrefornewcomers.ca/events

Compelling reasons to visit our booth:
  • Expert Advice: Get personalized guidance on funeral planning from knowledgeable CMS representatives who can answer your questions and provide valuable insights.
  • Exclusive Resources: Access brochures, guides, and tools that help you make informed decisions about end-of-life planning, including tips on how to save money while maintaining dignity.
  • Learn About CMS Membership Benefits: Discover how becoming a member of the Cooperative Memorial Society can protect you from inflated costs and ensure that your wishes are respected.
  • Free Consultations: Take advantage of free, no-obligation consultations on planning ahead, understanding your options, and making decisions that align with your values.
  • Connect with Like-Minded Individuals: Meet others who share your interest in thoughtful, affordable funeral planning, and learn from their experiences.
Registration is required for participants. Please use the link below to register. 
https://forms.gle/AuFaYkaNyvfyUnBm9

Tuesday, October 22, 2024
​7:00 - 9:00 PM
McInnis & Holloway Event Centre,
​14441 Bannister Road, Calgary, AB
We’re pleased to invite you and your guests to a complimentary, informative presentation on two crucial topics:
  • Understanding Palliative Care
Gain insights into the services provided by palliative care and how it supports patients and families. This session will also address common misconceptions. Presented by Tyler Hamil, Covenant Health.
  • Four Critical Documents Every Albertan Needs
Learn about the four essential legal documents—Personal Directive, Enduring Power of Attorney, Financial Plans, and Funeral Plans—that safeguard your wishes and your loved ones. Presented by Terry Geib, CMS Calgary

LOCATION: 
Register here for tickets to the in-person presentation in Calgary on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM: Event Registration Link

Thursday, October 24, 2024
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Foster & McGarvey Funeral Home,
​10011 114 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 1R5
We’re pleased to invite you and your guests to a complimentary, informative presentation on two crucial topics:
  • Understanding Palliative Care
Gain insights into the services provided by palliative care and how it supports patients and families. This session will also address common misconceptions. Presented by Tyler Hamil, Covenant Health.
  • Four Critical Documents Every Albertan Needs
Learn about the four essential legal documents—Personal Directive, Enduring Power of Attorney, Financial Plans, and Funeral Plans—that safeguard your wishes and your loved ones. Presented by Don Gnatiuk, CMS Edmonton.

​Register here for tickets to the in-person presentation in Edmonton on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM: Event Registration Link

Tuesday, October 29, 2024,
​10:30 AM
Online Presentation
Attending the CMS presentation on memorial societies and funeral co-ops provides valuable insights into affordable, community-focused alternatives for end-of-life planning.

Discover how these organizations can help alleviate the financial and emotional burdens of funeral arrangements, offering peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

​Register here for the online presentation on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM: Event Registration Link

Wednesday, November 6, 2024
10:30 AM
Online Presentation
Learn practical tips and strategies to save money on funeral expenses without compromising on dignity and respect. Our presentation will guide you through making informed decisions that reflect your values and financial needs, ensuring a meaningful farewell on any budget.

​Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Time: 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM (Online) 
​Event Registration Link

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"This service was great for my dad. My mom didn't belong and her similar funeral cost $8,000, while my dad's was only $2,700. Planning was easy: the funeral home handled everything from picking up his body to storing the ashes. Thanks for the great service."

Arlene K., Calgary 

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