COOPERATIVE MEMORIAL SOCIETY
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    • Planning a Meaningful Farewell >
      • Religious Traditions & Funerals
      • Alberta Municipal Cemeteries
      • Green Burial Grounds in Alberta
      • Selecting Readings for a Funeral
      • Selecting Music for a Funeral
      • Creating a Memorial Slideshow for a funeral
      • Including pets in funeral ceremonies
    • Grief Support
  • Funeral Home Partners and Member Plans
    • Calgary & Area: McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes
    • Edmonton & Area: Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes
    • Edmonton & Area: Serenity Funeral Services
    • Edmonton & Area: Trinity Funeral Home
    • Red Deer & Area: Parkland Funeral Home
    • Olds & Area: Heartland Funeral Services
    • Lethbridge & Area: Cornerstone Funeral Home
    • Medicine Hat & Area: Cook Southland Funeral Home
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Planning a Meaningful Farewell: Resources and Guidance
Funeral planning requires thoughtful decisions that balance personal values, cultural traditions, and practical needs. At CMS, we strive to make this process easier by offering clear and compassionate guidance on all aspects of end-of-life planning. Below, you’ll find links to detailed resources designed to help you navigate this journey with confidence and respect.

  • Funeral Financial Assistance Programs Funeral costs can be a significant financial burden. Listed in this guide are several programs available to help Alberta families cover some of these expenses.​
  • Religious Traditions and Funerals: Learn how different faiths honour their loved ones through unique customs and ceremonies.
  • Body Disposition Options in Alberta In Alberta, there are several ways to handle a loved one’s remains, each with its own legal, cultural, and financial considerations. Here’s an overview to help you make an informed decision.
  • Managing Cremated Remains in Alberta: A Guide for CMS Members ​Whether your family has chosen cremation for practical or personal reasons, it’s important to understand how to manage and honour cremated remains responsibly.

Caskets, Urns and Cemeteries
  • Alberta Municipal Cemeteries: Information about burial options provided by municipalities.
  • Bringing Your Own Casket or Urn: Know your rights when choosing to supply your own casket or urn.
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Personalizing the Service
  • Writing an Obituary: Tips and guidance for crafting a heartfelt obituary.
  • Selecting Readings for a Funeral: Choose meaningful readings that reflect the life and legacy of your loved one.
  • Selecting Music for a Funeral: Find inspiration for music that creates a comforting and memorable ceremony.
  • Creating a Memorial Slideshow: Discover helpful tips to design a meaningful and respectful funeral slideshow that honours your loved one’s memory.
  • Including Pets in Funeral Ceremonies: Explore ways to honour the special bond with pets during the service.​
CMS: Helping Albertans Plan for the Future with Confidence and Clarity.
Funeral Plans
Forms and Resources
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Cooperative Memorial Society
PO Box 90084 RPO Airdrie
Airdrie AB T4B 0A2
1-403-248-2044  ​Toll free: 1-800-566-9959 
Membership Services Coordinator available by phone
​Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
​No answer? Leave a message - calls returned within 24 hours on weekdays. Sooner if urgent.
[email protected]
CMS Logo
  • Home
  • About
    • Governance >
      • Annual Meeting 2025 02 22
    • Newsletter
    • Volunteer or Donate
    • Testimonials
  • Membership
    • Purchase Membership
    • Sign up: Spanish
    • Sign up: Filipino
    • Member Login
    • Member Rights and Responsibilities
  • Special Events
    • Booking Group Presentations
  • Forms and Resources
  • Planning Ahead
    • Palliative Care Resources
    • Hospice Care Resources
    • Death Doulas and Home Death Care Providers
  • What to Do When a Member Dies
    • Planning a Meaningful Farewell >
      • Religious Traditions & Funerals
      • Alberta Municipal Cemeteries
      • Green Burial Grounds in Alberta
      • Selecting Readings for a Funeral
      • Selecting Music for a Funeral
      • Creating a Memorial Slideshow for a funeral
      • Including pets in funeral ceremonies
    • Grief Support
  • Funeral Home Partners and Member Plans
    • Calgary & Area: McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes
    • Edmonton & Area: Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes
    • Edmonton & Area: Serenity Funeral Services
    • Edmonton & Area: Trinity Funeral Home
    • Red Deer & Area: Parkland Funeral Home
    • Olds & Area: Heartland Funeral Services
    • Lethbridge & Area: Cornerstone Funeral Home
    • Medicine Hat & Area: Cook Southland Funeral Home
  • Services Directory
  • Contact us
  • Blog