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
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      • Calgary & Area: McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes >
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      • 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
    • Planning Ahead >
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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.
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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  [email protected]
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.
  • Home
  • About
    • Governance >
      • 2026 Annual Meeting >
        • AGM Agenda
        • Proposed Articles & Bylaws
        • Summary of Changes to Articles & Bylaws
        • Meet the Candidates
        • FY2025 Financial Reports
        • Minutes AGM 2025 02 22
        • 2025 Annual Report
        • Special Presentation
      • 2025 Annual Meeting
      • 2024 Annual Meeting
    • Newsletter
    • Volunteer or Donate
    • Testimonials
  • Membership
    • Buy a Membership (English)
    • Acheter une adhésion (French)
    • Comprar una membresía (Spanish)
    • Bumili ng Miyembro (Filipino)
    • አባልነት ይግዙ (Amharic)
    • Privacy Policy
    • Refund & Cancellation Policy
  • Member Resources
    • Member Login >
      • Member Rights and Responsibilities
    • What to Do When a Death Takes Place >
      • 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 >
        • 2026-2027 McInnis & Holloway Plans
      • 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
    • Planning Ahead >
      • Palliative Care Resources
      • Hospice Care Resources
      • Death Doulas and Home Death Care Providers
    • Forms and Resources
    • Ducks in a Row Planning Workbook >
      • What is a fillable PDF?
    • Professional Support Services
    • Donate
    • Blog
  • Contact us