We purchased a membership for my Dad shortly before his passing. At the time we were able to pre-plan and pay for his funeral through your cooperative and it was an excellent experience. We appreciated the savings.
Providing Affordable, Transparent, and Dignified End-of-Life Planning Since 1966
- At the Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS), we empower Albertans to make informed, affordable, and dignified end-of-life arrangements.
- As a non-profit, member-run organization, we are committed to ensuring our members receive fair and ethical funeral services without unnecessary costs or pressure.
- Since 1966, we have helped more than 100,000 families gain peace of mind by pre-planning their final arrangements with trusted, locally owned funeral homes.
What We Do
Affordable, Pre-Negotiated Funeral Plans
CMS partners with locally owned funeral homes to provide simple, affordable funeral plans exclusively for our members. We negotiate fair pricing to ensure members receive quality services at significantly lower costs than corporate funeral providers.
Education & Advocacy
We believe knowledge is power. CMS provides resources, presentations, and guidance to help Albertans understand their funeral options, avoid unnecessary expenses, and make informed decisions about their final arrangements.
Secure Funeral Preferences Storage
Members’ funeral preferences are securely stored and accessible to our partner funeral homes, ensuring that families can follow their loved one’s wishes without uncertainty or added stress.
Consumer Protection & Transparency
We advocate for ethical, transparent funeral services and protect consumers from high-pressure sales tactics and inflated pricing commonly seen in the corporate funeral industry.
Community Support & Resources
From educational workshops to newsletters, CMS provides tools and information to help individuals and families navigate end-of-life planning with confidence and clarity.
Why Choose CMS?
Unlike corporate funeral providers, CMS is a cooperative, not a business. Our focus is on service, not sales.
We Are Not a Funeral Home
CMS does not provide funeral services. Instead, we connect members with locally-owned trusted funeral homes that honour our pre-negotiated plans and ethical pricing.
We Are Member-Owned, Not-for-Profit
As a cooperative, CMS is owned by our members, not corporate shareholders. This means our priority is ensuring members receive the best possible funeral arrangements, not maximizing profits.
We Focus on Transparency and Trust
CMS provides clear, straightforward options without hidden fees, upselling, or pressure to purchase unnecessary services.
Our History & Impact
We have a legacy of helping Albertans since 1966. CMS was founded to give Albertans an ethical, affordable alternative to high-cost funerals. Since then, we have helped over 120,000 members plan their final arrangements with confidence. Our work continues to support families, protect consumers, and ensure that end-of-life planning remains a compassionate and member-focused experience.
Testimonials – link
Join Us & Plan Ahead
Becoming a CMS member is simple and provides lasting peace of mind.
Benefits of Membership:
- Access to affordable, pre-negotiated funeral plans
- Secure storage of your funeral preferences for easy access
- Protection from inflated pricing and unnecessary services
- Educational resources and support for informed end-of-life planning
Sign Up for our Newsletter
The CMS newsletter keeps our members informed with valuable updates, expert insights, and practical tips on end-of-life planning. From upcoming events and educational resources to important industry news and member stories, our newsletters are designed to empower you with knowledge and keep you connected to the CMS community. Stay informed and make the most of your membership by reading our latest updates. Our newsletter is emailed each quarter to the email address on record. Not a member or want to add a different email address?