Plan Ahead, Ease the LoaDFuneral planning under stress is overwhelming. Choose advance planning for benefits like thorough research, open family communication, and personalized services. Pre-purchases (an option but not mandatory) lock in today's prices, or our at-need plans for members ensure a cost savings for your loved ones.
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HOW WE HELP
- Navigate with Facts and Resources: We guide you to essential information and resources, offering clarity in your advanced health and end-of-life planning journey.
- Save on Services: Partnering with local funeral homes, we secure exclusive plans and services, ensuring cost savings for our members and their next-of-kin.
- Online Registry Convenience: Access our online registry to record funeral details, preferences, and obituary information, simplifying the process for funeral homes and your family during times of need.
Give the Gift of Peace: A Christmas Surprise They'll Never Forget!This Christmas, go beyond the ordinary and present your loved ones with a truly meaningful gift that lasts a lifetime – a membership to the Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS). Secure Their Future: Wrap up the assurance that their end-of-life plans are in capable hands with CMS's exclusive digital repository. Your gift ensures their wishes are crystal clear, providing peace of mind for years to come. Smart Savings: Elevate your gifting game by offering not just a thoughtful gesture but also practicality. CMS membership unlocks negotiated discounts on funeral plans, turning a responsible decision into a smart financial choice. A Wealth of Guidance: Make their journey smoother with comprehensive planning resources. CMS equips them with the knowledge to navigate the entire life planning process, making those tough decisions a little bit easier. Community Care: By gifting a CMS membership, you're giving them more than just a service; you're granting them membership in a community that cares. Surplus funds benefit members, creating a collective commitment to support one another. Unwrap Peace of Mind this Christmas! 🎄 Purchase a membership here to surprise your loved ones with a gift that truly matters. Give the gift of preparation, comfort, and community. Act now and make this Christmas unforgettable! Cooperative Memorial Society: Because some gifts are beyond measure. Template to a letter you can use to accompany your gift. |
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.
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) 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. Arlene K. 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. |
Annual General Meeting Registration
Our next Annual General Meeting is by Zoom on Saturday, February 24, 2024 1:00 - 3:00 PM. More information.
Members will be emailed a link to register in early January.
If you are not a member, or you do not have an email address in your profile with us, you can send us your information and we will email you the link.
Members will be emailed a link to register in early January.
If you are not a member, or you do not have an email address in your profile with us, you can send us your information and we will email you the link.
More information
Value-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
Membership in CMS ensures your final wishes are honored while granting access to affordable funeral plans through our dedicated service providers. Our partnerships with exceptional funeral homes guarantee you and your next of kin the care and attention you deserve.
Upon joining, you'll have the opportunity to specify your preferences and vital statistics without the need to pre-purchase your funeral. This straightforward process not only captures your wishes for body disposition but also provides essential information for your loved ones to register your death.
The most significant advantage is the peace of mind gained by organizing your affairs now, sparing your next-of-kin from hasty, emotionally challenging decisions and substantial financial burdens.
Your membership is transferable among societies in Canada and across North America for a modest fee paid to the new location, offering flexibility if you plan to relocate. Even if you move, remaining a CMS member proves valuable should you return at a later date.
As an additional benefit, children under 18 are covered under their parent's membership until they reach adulthood.
Join CMS today and ensure peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones.
Upon joining, you'll have the opportunity to specify your preferences and vital statistics without the need to pre-purchase your funeral. This straightforward process not only captures your wishes for body disposition but also provides essential information for your loved ones to register your death.
The most significant advantage is the peace of mind gained by organizing your affairs now, sparing your next-of-kin from hasty, emotionally challenging decisions and substantial financial burdens.
Your membership is transferable among societies in Canada and across North America for a modest fee paid to the new location, offering flexibility if you plan to relocate. Even if you move, remaining a CMS member proves valuable should you return at a later date.
As an additional benefit, children under 18 are covered under their parent's membership until they reach adulthood.
Join CMS today and ensure peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones.
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 to give our auditor more time to complete a full audit. As a result, the meeting will be held on Saturday February 24, 2024 1:00 - 3:00 PM by Zoom. (Log-in starts at 12:45 pm.) Registration information will be sent by email to all members in early January. Meeting materials will be emailed closer to the AGM.
If you are not a member, you do not have an email address with us, or you want the invitation sent to someone who does not have their email address on record with us, please complete the form below:
Complete your guidance form
Book a presentation
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.
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Terry Geib,
Chair 
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Terry joined the board of CMS in 2009. In April 2017 she retired as a director for Calgary Co-op after serving 15 years on their board. In addition to Chairing CCMS board meetings, Terry does the writing and graphic design work and leads the strategic planning for CMS. Terry works full time as a business strategist for The City of Calgary.
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Sylvia Kasper,
Vice Chair 
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Sylvia joined the board of CMS in 2007. She is a former crown prosecutor and sits as a member of the Provincial Family Violence Review Committee. She is actively involved in the Calgary Lithuanian Canadian Community. Sylvia currently directs the audit function of the board and assists with the payment processing of new memberships and providing group presentations.
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Mark Farris,
Director 
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Mark retired in 2022 following a 30 year career in the investment industry, most recently as a Portfolio Manager with RBC Dominion Securities in Calgary. Mark is a past board member with the Calgary Cerebral Palsy Association and the Calgary Food Bank, where Mark took on the role of Treasurer. Currently Mark volunteers his time with the Foothills Country Hospice Society and the Calgary Food Bank.
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Tim Duthie,
Secretary 
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Tim comes from a rural family with solid roots in the cooperative movement. His first job was with a co-op in rural Alberta, and has over twenty years of experience working for and with co-operatives. Tim has volunteered with many youth sports teams in hockey, basketball, soccer, and baseball.
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Richard Godwin
Treasurer 
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Richard comes to our Board from Edmonton. He brings experience as a professional accountant and is now our new board Treasurer.
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Susan Costello,
Director 
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Susan served on the CARP Board of Directors - Canada’s largest advocacy association for older Canadians. She retired from CARP in 2015 and joined the CCMS board where she continues her advocacy efforts.
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Ross McNichol,
Director 
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Ross joined the board in 2023 after volunteering on the End of Life Advisory Committee in 2022-2023.
Ross brings a sharp eye to the board as a Chartered Professional Accountant. |
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Debbie Patterson,
Director 
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Deb joined the board in 2023 after volunteering on the End of Life Advisory Committee in 2022-2023. She will become the Board Chair in 2024, when Terry's term ends.
Deb brings a wealth of experience helping clients deal with end-of-life planning as part of her Tax practice. She has also written a Grief Plan which she provides to her clients. |
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Ruth Wall,
Director 
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Ruth joined our board after serving many years as the Membership Manager and Director of the Memorial Society of Red Deer and District.
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Mike Meredith, Director
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Michael joined our board in 2023 following the resignation of Myrna Malanik. Michael Meredith holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography from McGill University and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of New Brunswick. He has been practicing law since 2006 in the areas of banking, corporate law, and commercial law at both international, national and boutique firms. Currently his focus is on wills and estates at his own practice. He is involved in his community association and volunteers with public legal education and teaches adaptive skiing for people with disabilities.
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Barb Montgomery,
Membership Services Coordinator |
Barb became the CMS Membership Services Coordinator in January 2017 after a 30 year career in hotels and hospitality. Barb's warm and caring personality and attention to detail is appreciated by the entire Board.
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Vacant Board Positions
The board is looking to fill two director positions and find committee members with expertise in a number of areas. 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 Mark Farris, Chair of the Board Capacity Committee at markfarris30@gmail.com or (403) 554-4747.
Thank you for your interest.
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:
- Finance, Accounting and Audit
- Legal and Governance
- Marketing and Advertising (Build a campaign!)
- Member Engagement (Deliver Zoom or In-person Presentations)
- Social Media Posting
- Videography (Create 1-min infomercials)
Board members are expected to:
- Prepare for and participate in board meetings either in-person or remotely
- Listen to others’ views, advocate their own, identify common interests and alternatives, and be open to compromise
- Support governance decisions once made
- Participate in the review of the cooperative’s mission and objectives and in the development of a strategic plan
- Help the board to monitor the performance of the cooperative in relation to its mission, objectives, core values and reputation
- Abide by the by-laws, code of conduct, conflict of interest and other policies that apply to the board
- Participate in the approval of the annual budget and monitor the financial performance of the cooperative
- Help establish, review and monitor operational policies
- Participate in the hiring of, and if required, the releasing of individuals or companies who are employed by or who provide consulting services to the Board
- Participate on one or more board committees
- Attend and participate in the Annual General Meeting
- Be an ambassador for the cooperative
- Keep informed about community issues relevant to the mission and objectives of the cooperative.
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 Mark Farris, Chair of the Board Capacity Committee at markfarris30@gmail.com or (403) 554-4747.
Thank you for your interest.
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