March 12th, 2025

CMS - A Legacy of Community, Access, and Belonging
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From a grassroots movement that began in Calgary in 1966 to a province-wide leader in compassionate, affordable, and accessible end-of-life planning, the Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS) has always been about people first. Rooted in the cooperative spirit, we empower individuals and families across Alberta with choice, dignity, and financial peace of mind. 

Our Mission: Making Funeral Planning Easier and More Affordable for Albertans.

We reduce the emotional and financial burden of funeral planning by providing:
✔ Education & resources for informed decision-making.
✔ Access to fair, dignified funeral services at preferred member prices from locally-owned funeral homes.

Our Vision: A Future Where Every Albertan Has Access to Dignified Farewells.

We believe in a world where everyone, regardless of background or means, can plan their final farewell with clarity and respect.

Our Journey: Growing Through Cooperation. Founded in 1966, CMS was built by everyday Albertans who believed in fairness and affordability. From the outset, we challenged industry norms, secured ethical partnerships with funeral homes, and championed member-driven solutions.
✔ 1971: Became the Calgary Co-operative Memorial Society Ltd., reinforcing our cooperative identity.
✔ 1980s: Strengthened governance and launched an educational trust fund.
✔ 2009–2012: Modernized with online memberships and launched digital funeral planning tools.
✔ 2017: Added more information and partnerships to support planning.
✔ 2022–2023: Expanded province-wide by welcoming members from Red Deer and Edmonton.
✔ 2024: Hired our first Executive Director, transitioning to a policy-driven board for sustainability and growth.

A Community That Stands Together
CMS isn’t just about funerals—it’s about ensuring every Albertan feels supported, heard, and prepared. With over 30,000 active members, we continue to grow, guided by the values of access, belonging, and community. 💰 Since we began, CMS has collectively saved Albertans well over $8 million in funeral costs—ensuring affordable, dignified farewells for all.

Join Us & Be Part of the Change
CMS is more than a membership—it’s a movement. Let’s continue to empower Albertans, protect families, and build a future where everyone can plan with confidence.

Compiled by Terry Geib