Who We ArEWe are a member-owned funeral planning cooperative serving Albertans since 1966. 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.
How we workOur 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.
WHat we doWe 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 EventsOur 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.
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 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 we now have an Executive Director in place 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. 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]. |
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 our Next PresentationLearn 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 |
Introducing Terry Geib: CMS’s First Executive DirectoR
We are excited to announce a significant milestone in the growth of the Cooperative Memorial Society —the appointment of our first Executive Director, Terry Geib. Many of you may already know Terry, as she has been a dedicated board member since 2009 and an advocate for cooperative values throughout Alberta. With a wealth of experience in leadership, governance, and community engagement, Terry is well-positioned to guide CMS into its next chapter.
Terry’s background is rooted in cooperative principles. She has served on multiple cooperative boards at the provincial and national levels and brings a unique combination of expertise in strategic planning, business strategy, and community engagement. After a 33-year career as a business strategist with The City of Calgary, she officially retired in 2023. Now, she is ready to channel her energy and vision into CMS, helping us grow and better serve our members.
Terry’s background is rooted in cooperative principles. She has served on multiple cooperative boards at the provincial and national levels and brings a unique combination of expertise in strategic planning, business strategy, and community engagement. After a 33-year career as a business strategist with The City of Calgary, she officially retired in 2023. Now, she is ready to channel her energy and vision into CMS, helping us grow and better serve our members.
What Does This Mean for CMS Members?
The addition of an Executive Director strengthens CMS’s ability to meet our members' needs and expand our impact. As Executive Director, Terry will:
Sincerely,
The CMS Board of Directors
- Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring smooth coordination between staff, members, and service providers.
- Lead strategic planning to support the growth and sustainability of CMS.
- Enhance our outreach efforts, raising awareness about CMS and our services.
- Collaborate with the board to streamline governance, allowing us to better focus on member services and new initiatives.
- Provide continuity in leadership, ensuring CMS continues to thrive and adapt to changing needs.
Sincerely,
The CMS Board of Directors
*Important Update for Our Valued CMS Members
We are reaching out to share an important transition with you. 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.
With warm regards,
The Cooperative Memorial Society Team
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.
With warm regards,
The Cooperative Memorial Society Team
Our Funeral Service Providers (link to More Information and Plans)
McInnis & Holloway funeral HomesCalgary, Cochrane, Airdrie and Area |
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes*Edmonton and Area |
Cornerstone Funeral HomeLethbridge and Area Cook Southland Funeral HomeMedicine Hat and Area |
Serenity Funeral ServicesEdmonton and Area Trinity Funeral HomeEdmonton |
Parkland Funeral HomeCentral Alberta including Red Deer and Area |
Heartland Funeral HomeOlds, Sundre, Innisfail, Didsbury and Area |
John P.
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This service meant so much to our family. When my dad passed, everything was taken care of – from bringing him into the funeral home’s care to arranging the cremation and storing his ashes. The process was smooth, and knowing his wishes were honoured brought us comfort. What really hit home was the cost difference: my mom's funeral, without CMS, was $8,000, but Dad’s, through CMS, was only $2,700. It was a relief to focus on saying goodbye, not worrying about complicated arrangements or high costs. Thank you for making a difficult time so much easier.
Arlene K., Calgary
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