Letter from the Anderson Family

My husband passed away on Mar 18, 2013 and we had Shannon J. of McInnis & Holloway from Airdrie as our funeral director. We had excellent service. We were very pleased with the Funeral Home. Thanks for your services too. We had the body transferred from Red Deer & the whole bill was $1494.68. That's a huge savings compared to what it would have cost us without a Memorial Society Card. This is a tremendous service at a critical time. It is such a blessing to be able to go through a death & funeral without incurring a huge debt as well.
Thanks again.
M. Anderson & Family
(Received by email, April 14, 2013)

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As a member of CCMS, you can plan your farewell with the confidence that you have the largest consumer group in Alberta protecting your interests - and the interests of your loved ones when it's time to make funeral arrangements. 

A $20 lifetime membership gives you peace of mind and the assurance that your final wishes will be fulfilled. And membership helps reduce stress for your family at their time of need. Simply put, you have us on your side.

We have discounted funeral plans and services with locally-owned funeral homes in Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge and Taber, Alberta.  

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Email from Shannon H. 

Before meeting Caroline, your membership manager from the Calgary Cooperative Memorial Society (CCMS) I had never considered the cost of funerals, or the impact that cost can have on those in mourning. In the course of my work with CCMS I have witnessed the stress that people go through as they are mourning, and the incredible gratitude that members have for the services they receive from CCMS. It’s amazing that such a small fee, and a lifetime membership, can lead to such incredible savings and peace of mind for people of all walks of life. When I saw the discounts it seemed too good to be true, but in learning more I discovered that this is just an example of the amazing potential of a cooperative structure. The fact that the membership can also help people plan ahead, empowering them to make their own decisions about what they want after they’ve passed away makes it even more valuable and important.

My work with CCMS over the past couple of month has allowed me the privilege of visiting some of the amazing organizations that work with high-risk populations in Calgary.  I have been able to see how they support their clients, while introducing them to the potential of CCMS as a resource.  Hopefully this personalized exposure will increase the awareness of CCMS among new groups. In making new connections with the community, and making sure that as many people as possible know about CCMS, we are helping to ensure that those who really need it can access the services and discounts that a CCMS membership offers, while increasing its member base and ensuring the long term sustainability of the co-op.

Caroline puts everyone she talks to immediately at ease with her welcoming manner making people feel comfortable talking about the sensitive subjects of funeral arrangements. She is incredibly understanding, patient and helpful with clients and I can see the positive effect it has on members who stop by just to thank her. Once people hear about CCMS it seems that they want to sign up everyone they know which is a testament to the great impact membership has on people’s sense of wellbeing and security. 


email from Shannon H. April 18, 2013

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Purchase Membership

Our Online Member Registry

To facilitate better service to our members and service providers, we have implemented a new online member registry to record your preferences and information that will be needed by your next of kin upon your death.  Tell us about your life, your favorite songs or perhaps leave a special message. All information collected is secure, backed up and managed according to the Government of Alberta Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act.

Note: You must have an active email address on file with us in order to receive a password. If you have not provided one or if it has changed, please use the form below to send us your information. 

Step-by-step instructions

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2012 Board of Directors Back Row (L-R): Roy Goodall, Jerry Jonasson, Stuart Cantrill, Elvyra Krausas, George Melnyk, Alan Jessop (Treasurer); Front row (L-R): Caroline Harder (Membership Manager), Pat Parker (Secretary), Nellie Pintus, Sylvia Kasper (Chair), Diane Walker, Pat Sather, Terry Geib (Vice-Chair)

Director Update

At our recent AGM we said goodbye to two of our directors who decided to retire after many years of service to CCMS. We thank and say goodbye to Diane Walker (past Chair) and Alan Jessop (Treasurer). We will miss you!

We are pleased to introduce you to our two new board members. Elizabeth Blackstock and Rick Smith. Both individuals bring great experience and a real passion for CCMS. Welcome Rick and Liz!