frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
Did you change your domain name?
The CMS changed it domain name on September 20, 2024 to www.coopmemorial.org from www.calgarymemorial.com.
What does it cost to join CMS?
The cost to join CMS is a one-time fee of $40.00 for a lifetime membership, plus a $2.15 fee to offset bank and credit card fees. If you pay by cheque through Canada Post, the $2.15 fee is waived. Additionally, a $35 records administration fee is paid after death, collected by the funeral home on behalf of CMS to assist in covering administrative costs. No other fees are collected by CMS.
What are the fees used for?
The fees are utilized to operate the CMS, covering expenses such as printing, advertising, website maintenance, bank charges, software, administration, and staff costs.
Is Membership Transferable?
A membership cannot be transferred to another individual since it is a lifetime membership. However, it is transferable to other similar societies throughout Canada. A nominal fee is charged by the receiving society to cover the transfer costs.
List of Canadian Memorial Societies.
Is CMS Part of Calgary Co-op?
No. We are proud to say we are our own co-operative; however, all Calgary Co-op food stores have our information/application brochures at their customer service centres.
Do I Have to Prepay for Funeral Services?
No, you are not required to prepay for funeral services. At the Cooperative Memorial Society, we do not actively promote prepaying for funeral services. However, if you choose to do so, arrangements for pre-payment can be made directly with most of our funeral service providers to secure currently-priced funeral plans.
What Happens if Death Occurs Away from Home?
Yes, there are insurance companies, such as "Journey Home" by TruStage (TruStage covers travel anywhere in the world that’s further than 100km from your primary residence in Canada—whether the journey starts in another part of Canada or abroad) that specialize in providing coverage specifically for repatriation and funeral costs. We advise you to inquire with your local funeral service provider about the available options before embarking on your trip.
What are the Benefits of Membership with CMS?
Membership with the Calgary Memorial Society (CMS) offers several benefits for funeral planning:
How Does Membership Work?
Membership becomes active upon successful payment processing, and your profile is in our database. Partnering funeral homes can access this information to verify membership and retrieve any plans or information you've provided.
If you prefer not to complete the online registry, we suggest filling out the Guidance Form and providing a copy to your next of kin. This ensures they can fulfill your wishes without the added burden of decision-making during a difficult time.
Can I Purchase a Membership for Someone Else?
Absolutely! If you're buying a membership for someone else, please provide the recipient's information during the purchase process. When making the payment, use your name and credit card information. A welcome email will be sent to the email address provided on the registration form.
How Does the Registry Work?
All the information we collect is securely managed and backed up in accordance with the Government of Alberta Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. Refer to our Privacy Policy for detailed information. An active email address is required for password delivery and registry login. If you currently lack an email address, consider signing up for one through free options like Gmail at google.com or creating an email account at mail.com for a safe and easy process.
If you choose not to provide an email address, you can still be a member, and your next-of-kin will retain access to our plans. However, without an email address, you won't be able to utilize the registry.
Ways to Purchase a Membership
1. Online: Purchasing your membership online is quick, safe and easy using your credit card. The fee is $40 plus a $2.15 handling fee to cover the administration fees. Complete this online form and proceed with your payment by credit card.
2. By mail: Complete form and mail a cheque for $40 per person (GST included.)
The CMS changed it domain name on September 20, 2024 to www.coopmemorial.org from www.calgarymemorial.com.
What does it cost to join CMS?
The cost to join CMS is a one-time fee of $40.00 for a lifetime membership, plus a $2.15 fee to offset bank and credit card fees. If you pay by cheque through Canada Post, the $2.15 fee is waived. Additionally, a $35 records administration fee is paid after death, collected by the funeral home on behalf of CMS to assist in covering administrative costs. No other fees are collected by CMS.
What are the fees used for?
The fees are utilized to operate the CMS, covering expenses such as printing, advertising, website maintenance, bank charges, software, administration, and staff costs.
Is Membership Transferable?
A membership cannot be transferred to another individual since it is a lifetime membership. However, it is transferable to other similar societies throughout Canada. A nominal fee is charged by the receiving society to cover the transfer costs.
List of Canadian Memorial Societies.
Is CMS Part of Calgary Co-op?
No. We are proud to say we are our own co-operative; however, all Calgary Co-op food stores have our information/application brochures at their customer service centres.
Do I Have to Prepay for Funeral Services?
No, you are not required to prepay for funeral services. At the Cooperative Memorial Society, we do not actively promote prepaying for funeral services. However, if you choose to do so, arrangements for pre-payment can be made directly with most of our funeral service providers to secure currently-priced funeral plans.
What Happens if Death Occurs Away from Home?
Yes, there are insurance companies, such as "Journey Home" by TruStage (TruStage covers travel anywhere in the world that’s further than 100km from your primary residence in Canada—whether the journey starts in another part of Canada or abroad) that specialize in providing coverage specifically for repatriation and funeral costs. We advise you to inquire with your local funeral service provider about the available options before embarking on your trip.
What are the Benefits of Membership with CMS?
Membership with the Calgary Memorial Society (CMS) offers several benefits for funeral planning:
- Stress-Free Planning: Funeral planning under stress can be overwhelming. CMS provides a platform for advance funeral planning, allowing you to navigate the process with thorough research, open family communication, and personalized services.
- Price Lock: While not mandatory, pre-purchases through CMS lock in today's prices, providing financial stability and predictability for future funeral expenses.
- Cost Savings: Plans for members ensure cost savings for your loved ones, offering a practical and economical option when the need arises.
- Community Support: As a member, you are part of a community that values thoughtful end-of-life planning and supports each other in making informed decisions.
- Trusted Providers: CMS works with reputable funeral service providers, ensuring you receive quality services aligned with your preferences and values.
How Does Membership Work?
Membership becomes active upon successful payment processing, and your profile is in our database. Partnering funeral homes can access this information to verify membership and retrieve any plans or information you've provided.
If you prefer not to complete the online registry, we suggest filling out the Guidance Form and providing a copy to your next of kin. This ensures they can fulfill your wishes without the added burden of decision-making during a difficult time.
Can I Purchase a Membership for Someone Else?
Absolutely! If you're buying a membership for someone else, please provide the recipient's information during the purchase process. When making the payment, use your name and credit card information. A welcome email will be sent to the email address provided on the registration form.
How Does the Registry Work?
All the information we collect is securely managed and backed up in accordance with the Government of Alberta Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. Refer to our Privacy Policy for detailed information. An active email address is required for password delivery and registry login. If you currently lack an email address, consider signing up for one through free options like Gmail at google.com or creating an email account at mail.com for a safe and easy process.
If you choose not to provide an email address, you can still be a member, and your next-of-kin will retain access to our plans. However, without an email address, you won't be able to utilize the registry.
Ways to Purchase a Membership
1. Online: Purchasing your membership online is quick, safe and easy using your credit card. The fee is $40 plus a $2.15 handling fee to cover the administration fees. Complete this online form and proceed with your payment by credit card.
2. By mail: Complete form and mail a cheque for $40 per person (GST included.)