What To Do When A Member Passes Away

Losing a loved one is a deeply emotional and challenging experience. During this time, you are
not alone. The Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS) and our trusted funeral partners are here
to guide and support you through the next steps. This guide will help you navigate the process
and ensure that arrangements are handled smoothly.

Understanding Funeral Arrangements for CMS Members

Some CMS members have planned their funeral arrangements in advance, while others have
not. Funeral homes affiliated with CMS can check the CMS database to see if any preferences
have been recorded or funeral plans purchased. Additionally, the deceased may have left
instructions with their personal representative (executor) or next of kin.

Immediate Steps to Take

1. Notify the Funeral Home
   ● Contact a CMS-affiliated funeral home to ensure the deceased receives the discounted
   funeral plans available to members.
   ● Inform the funeral director that the deceased was a CMS member. You do not need the
   membership number—funeral homes can retrieve member details using search criteria
   such as address or email.
   ● Provide any organ, body, or tissue donation details if arrangements were made.
   ● The funeral home will coordinate the transfer of your loved one and arrange a meeting
   with the personal representative (executor) to discuss funeral plans.
   
   Inform Key Family Members
   ● Notify immediate and extended family in person, by phone, or electronically via Zoom,
   Google Meet, or a private Facebook Family Page to share updates and coordinate
   decisions.
   
   Secure the Home and Vehicle
   ● Lock the home and vehicle to protect personal belongings.
   ● Ensure the car is legally and securely parked to avoid towing or fines.
   ● If the home will be vacant, notify:
   ○ Local police (non-emergency line)
   ○ Landlord or property manager (if applicable)
   ● Arrange for temporary pet care, if needed.

Working with the Funeral Director

The Funeral Director Will:
● Check the CMS database for any funeral information recorded by the deceased.
● Guide the personal representative in selecting a CMS plan (if one was not pre-selected
or prepaid).
● Provide a contract outlining all services and costs.
● Assist with legal documentation, including:
○ Registration of Death (a legal requirement in Alberta)
○ Statement of Death, which is required to obtain a Death Certificate
○ Completing vital statistics forms using the member’s profile information

The Personal Representative Will:
● Ensure the deceased’s wishes are followed.
● Follow the selected CMS plan to avoid unnecessary expenses.
● Communicate clearly with the funeral director if they do not want additional services
beyond the CMS plan.
● Consider bringing a family member or friend for emotional support during discussions.

Additional Important Steps

Notify Key Contacts
● Inform:
○ Employers
○ Close friends and extended family
● Check email accounts and contact lists for additional people who need to be notified.

Manage Social Media Accounts
● Decide whether to post an online announcement based on the deceased’s preferences.
● For Facebook, you can:
○ Memorialize the account
○ Delete the account (if a legacy contact was assigned, they can manage this
process)

Redirect Mail
● Use Canada Post’s Mail Forwarding service to prevent mail from accumulating and to
identify subscriptions, creditors, or accounts requiring cancellation.
● Contact Canada Post Customer Service at 1-800-267-1177 or visit their website for
online services.

Write the Obituary
● Save costs by writing the obituary yourself using CMS guidelines and templates, or use
free resources available online.
● Consider creating two versions:
○ A detailed obituary for online sharing
○ A shorter version for newspapers to minimize publishing costs
● To protect against identity theft, avoid including the exact birth date.

Consider After-Care Services
Some funeral providers offer after-care services (may have additional fees for this service),
including:
● Applying for death benefits (e.g., Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Veterans’ benefits)
● Cancelling driver’s licenses and bank accounts
● Handling estate tax matters
If the personal representative prefers to manage these tasks independently, they can use the
CMS’ Guide for Personal Representatives in Alberta.

Body Disposition Options

Planning for end-of-life arrangements can be daunting, but knowing your options can make the process more manageable. 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.

1. Burial
Burial is a traditional and time-honoured method of body disposition. In Alberta, burial typically involves placing the body in a casket and interring it in a cemetery plot. Here are the key points to consider:

• Cemetery Choice: There are public, private, and religious cemeteries across the province. Costs can vary widely based on location and plot type.
• Green Burials: An increasingly popular option, green burials aim to minimize environmental impact by using biodegradable caskets and eliminating embalming. Designated green burial sites are available in Alberta.
• Vault Requirement: Many cemeteries require a concrete vault to encase the casket, which helps maintain the plot’s structure but increases the cost.
• Grave Markers: These can range from simple plaques to elaborate monuments and must comply with cemetery regulations.

2. Cremation
Cremation is another common choice in Alberta, and the most common amongst CMS members due to its affordability. The process involves reducing the body to ashes through intense heat. It is often chosen for its simplicity and flexibility regarding memorial services.

• Ashes Handling: Families can choose to scatter, bury, or store the ashes in an urn. Scattering ashes on private property requires the owner’s permission.
• Columbarium Niches: Many cemeteries offer columbaria—structures designed to hold urns—in addition to burial plots.
• Scattering Gardens: Some cemeteries have designated areas for scattering ashes.
• Memorialization: Families can still hold traditional services or celebrations of life following cremation.

3. Aquamation (Alkaline Hydrolysis)(Not Yet Available in Alberta)
Aquamation, also known as water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis, is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation. It uses water and potassium hydroxide to accelerate natural decomposition.

• Environmental Impact: Aquamation produces fewer emissions and uses less energy than flame cremation.
• Ashes Returned: Similar to cremation, the remaining bone fragments are processed into ashes and returned to the family.
• Availability: Though still not available in Alberta, it has been legalized in some provinces and states. Interest in this option is growing, and future legislation may allow for its adoption.

4. Body Donation
Donating your body to science is a meaningful way to contribute to medical research and education. In Alberta, the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta both accept whole-body donations.

• No Cost to Families: Typically, the medical school covers the cost of cremation once studies are complete.
• Pre-Registration Required: You must make arrangements in advance, as not all bodies are accepted at the time of death.
• Memorial Services: Families can still hold a separate memorial service, as remains may not be returned promptly.

5. Human Composting (Terramation)(Not Yet Available in Alberta)
Human composting, also known as Terramation or Natural Organic Reduction (NOR), is an emerging disposition method that transforms the body into nutrient-rich soil through natural decomposition.

• Environmental Benefits: The process is carbon-neutral and produces nutrient-rich soil that can be used in gardens or natural settings.
• Process: The body is placed in a vessel with organic materials like straw and wood chips, allowing natural microbial activity to break down the remains over several weeks.
• Availability: Currently legal in some U.S. states, but not yet permitted in Alberta. There is increasing public interest, and advocacy efforts may eventually lead to legislative changes.​

Choosing the Right Option
When considering body disposition, it’s essential to weigh your personal, cultural, and financial preferences. Speak openly with your family about your wishes and document your choices clearly, either in a will or as part of your end-of-life planning documents.
If you’re a member of the Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS), our partnerships with locally-owned funeral homes can help you access affordable, dignified disposition options. Feel free to reach out to us for guidance and support as you make these important decisions.
For more information on planning ahead or becoming a CMS member, visit our website or contact us directly. We’re here to help you navigate this challenging process with clarity and compassion.

Helpful Resources

McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes – Remembering a Life: What to Do When a Loved
One Passes Away (A compassionate guide for Calgary and surrounding areas)
● Parkland and Heartland Funeral Homes – Funeral Pre-Planning Booklet (Funeral
planning guide for central Alberta)
● Connelly and McKinley Funeral Homes – Funeral & Cremation Guide (A resource for
families in Edmonton)
● Government of Alberta – Saying Farewell (A comprehensive guide to funeral planning
and dealing with loss)

For additional support, check with other CMS’s funeral service providers for tailored resources
and assistance, also see our Care and Support Information, and our Financial Support and Consumer Rights pages.