What a great cooperative this is. I’m so glad to have found it. Once we signed up with the Cooperative Memorial Society, we went & met with your partner funeral home and made arrangements for both my parents. It was so stress free and the savings! Wow … just wow!!! Jo W. (August 19, 2023).
We are delighted to be members of the Memorial Cooperative and grateful to my parents for making our lives easier. Sincerely, Janet (Sep. 2023)
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WHY PLAN AHEAD?
Funeral planning in a time of immediate need can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming for a grieving family. Planning ahead gives you time to research your options, communicate with family members and even add personal details to your memorial. If you choose to pre purchase you can lock in today’s prices on many items, saving your family money. |
Video by Diana Eaid, Retired Social Worker and Member of CMS' End of Life Advisory Committee
HOW WE HELP YOU PLAN1. Direct you to facts and useful information and resources.
2. Help you save money on your end of life services by partnering with locally operated funeral homes who provide special plans and services for our members. 3. Provide you with access to our online registry where you can record your funeral information, preferences, and obituary details for easy access by the funeral home at time of need. TIME OF NEED ASSISTANCEIf you are dealing with member death, please contact one of our service providers directly. What to do when a loved one dies.
More informationValue-Added service for Albertans
The Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS) was formed more than half a century ago by individuals who didn't want to pay the high fees for traditional funeral services when all they wanted was a simple economical funeral. Formed and run as a non profit co-operative, we work with locally-operated service providers to provide discounted funeral plans for our members across Alberta . Members can save on average $3000 by choosing one of our plans. Money can also be saved by prepaying plans to lock in the price at the contract price.
Benefits of Membership
How we Operate
As a cooperative we are owned and controlled by our members represented by a volunteer board with up to 12 directors. We have a paid part-time Membership Services Coordinator and plan to add an Executive Director to manage our growing operations. Each year we host a special meeting for members by Zoom, distribute four email newsletters, and host a variety of presentations on different topics. Annual Meeting
Our annual meeting is usually held on the third Saturday in January. This will change in 2024 because we need more time to complete a full audit. The meeting will likely be held on the last Saturday in February by Zoom. Complete your guidance form
Book a presentation
We can provide in-person, online or telephone presentations to any group interested in learning more about our organization and the service we provide.
Dealing with the death of a Member
If you are faced with dealing with the death of a family member with a CMS membership, please contact one of our service providers in your area. You will receive immediate assistance with no pressure to make additional purchases. The funeral home representative will verify membership through our database and share with you any instructions left by the member. Your next step will be to identify the appropriate plan. Follow our step by step list... Update your address
Meet our Board of Directors
The CMS board has 12 directors. We are an operational board governed by our bylaws and board policies and procedures.
Vacant Board Positions
The board is looking to fill two director positions. 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. How to apply Interested candidates should contact Mark Farris, Chair of the Board Capacity Committee at markfarris30@gmail.com or (403) 554-4747. Thank you for your interest. Member SurveyYour participation in this survey will help us understand the information you want/need in order to easily get your affairs in order. Complete survey. |
Understanding funeral costsIf you’ve never planned a funeral or cremation, the costs can seem confusing. But understanding the costs associated with funerals is the first step to pre-planning. We’re here to help simplify your planning and save you money.
Come Volunteer with Us!![]() The board is accepting applications for board director positions for the upcoming 2023/24 year. We are also looking for people interested in sitting on one of our committees. Learn more.
What funeral homes offer CMS members special-priced Plans?We have over 50 funeral homes who offer plans for our members across Alberta. Major cities include Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, and Medicine Hat. For an entire list of funeral homes click here.
Types of plans are similar across our service providers, though the details within the plans vary. We recommend reviewing the brochures for more information, including inclusions and exclusions. /
This service was great for my dad. My mom didn't belong. We had the same kind of funeral for her which was basically just immediate family. Mom's funeral was $8,000 and dad's was $2,700. It was easy to plan. I called the funeral home. They picked up my dad's body from the nursing home and looked after the ministry and everything. We stored the ashes at the funeral home until we were ready for the family to meet. Thanks for the great service.
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