In this Edition
- Highlights from the 2025 Annual General Meeting
- AGM Recording (49 minutes)
- New Contracts Coming to Calgary and Lethbridge - Act Now to Save More
- CMS to Be Featured in the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 Initiative
- Access, Belonging, and Community: The Heart of CMS
- Spring Cleaning for Your Life Documents
- Partner with CMS: Support Affordable End-of-Life Planning
- Navigating the Sale of a Home After Losing a Loved One
- Office Closure – Effective May 1, 2025
-
Member Story - A Costly Mistake Families Can Avoid
| |
Highlights from the 2025 Annual General Meeting | |
|
The Cooperative Memorial Society’s AGM was held virtually on February 22, 2025. Members heard updates on CMS’s work over the past year, key initiatives for the future, and insights from guest speaker Tyler Hamil from Covenant Health on Advance Care Planning and Palliative Care in Alberta.
Key Takeaways for Members
-
Big Changes at CMS: CMS has officially transitioned to a policy governance model, allowing the Board to focus on strategy while the newly appointed Executive Director, Terry Geib, manages daily operations.
-
Growing Our Reach: In 2024, 1,600 new members joined CMS, and we expanded community presentations, direct mail campaigns, and partnerships to ensure more Albertans know about their options for end-of-life planning.
-
Farewell to Our Office: Rising rental costs mean CMS will move out of its downtown Calgary office in May 2025. As CMS operates fully online, this will not affect member services. Mail will be redirected to a new P.O. Box.
-
Financial Stability & Future Investments: CMS closed the year with a $48,330 surplus and $662,960 in net assets. In 2025, we plan strategic investments in website upgrades, CRM enhancements, and member outreach, with a planned deficit to support growth initiatives and the new ED role.
-
Locking in Funeral Costs: Prices for funeral services are expected to increase when the CMS contract with McInnis & Holloway is negotiated (likely before the end of 2025). Members considering prepaying for their funerals are encouraged to do so before November to secure current pricing.
-
More Ways to Get Involved: CMS is seeking dedicated volunteers and board members to support governance, outreach, events, and advocacy efforts. If you have experience in event planning, social media, communications, writing, or video production, we would greatly value your contributions!
Thank you to all who attended and continue to support CMS! Meeting Materials
Warm regards,
Terry Geib
Executive Director
| 2025 Annual General Meeting Recording |
|
New Contracts Coming to Calgary and Lethbridge - Act Now to Lock in Today’s Funeral Rates - Prepaying Offers Even More Savings
As a CMS member, you are not required to prepay for your funeral—your family will still save money by purchasing a CMS plan at time of need. However, prepaying can provide even greater financial relief and peace of mind for your loved ones.
By prepaying, you lock in today’s prices, protecting against future increases and ensuring your next of kin won’t have to make financial decisions during an already difficult time. While CMS membership secures discounted plans, prepaying guarantees that your funeral costs won’t rise due to inflation or new contract pricing.
Why Act Now?
Our contracts with McInnis & Holloway (serving Calgary and area) and Cornerstone (serving Lethbridge and area) expire on December 31, 2025. Historically, funeral prices increase with each new contract. New contracts could be finalized as early as November 2025. By prepaying before the contract expires, you can secure today’s lower rates before any price adjustments take effect. Locking in your funeral costs now protects you from rising prices and market-driven cost changes.
Flexible Prepayment Options
- Financing options are available through the funeral home.
- Prepaid plans are refundable at face value (minus a small administrative fee) if your circumstances change. (Prepayment money paid are held in trust fund by a third-party.)
- Not all plans are transferable—if you move to an area without an affiliated funeral home, you may need to pay additional costs or choose to cash out your plan.
Take Advantage of Current Pricing Before November 2025
🔗 Plans for CMS Members
For assistance, reach out directly to:
| | | |
CMS to Be Featured in the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 Initiative
A National Spotlight on CMS
The Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS) is proud to be recognized on a national stage as part of the federal government’s International Year of Cooperatives 2025 (IYC25) initiative, led by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). This prestigious campaign will highlight Canada’s most impactful cooperatives, and CMS has been selected as a model of success in affordable, community-driven end-of-life planning.
CMS was chosen after ISED learned about our achievements through the Alberta Community & Co-operative Association. Our feature in ISED’s national monthly spotlight series will showcase:
- Our founding in 1966 as a response to rising funeral costs and the need for consumer protection.
- Our ongoing commitment to securing affordable, dignified end-of-life planning for Canadians.
- Our partnerships with locally owned funeral homes to provide members with trusted, high-quality services.
- Our modernization efforts, including the use of technology to enhance member services and streamline funeral planning.
- Our community outreach initiatives, which continue to educate and support thousands of Canadians.
A Milestone for CMS and Co-operatives Nationwide
This recognition marks a major milestone for CMS, reinforcing the value of cooperative principles in solving real-world challenges. Being featured in IYC25 not only raises CMS’s profile across Canada but also demonstrates how cooperatives can thrive in sectors traditionally dominated by corporate interests.
What’s Next?
ISED has provided a draft article summarizing CMS’s history, mission, and impact, and we are working with them to finalize our feature. A custom graphic designed by Tallis Group will accompany the article. CMS will be notified in advance of our designated feature month in 2025. This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase CMS’s success, attract new members, and emphasize the vital role that cooperatives play in Canada’s economy and communities. Once published, a link to the article will be shared on our website and social media. Stay tuned for more details!
| |
Access, Belonging, and Community: The Heart of CMS
At the Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS), our work is rooted in three fundamental values: access, belonging, and community. These principles guide everything we do, from providing affordable funeral planning to fostering a network of support for our members and their families.
Access: Ensuring Everyone Has a Plan
End-of-life planning should not be a privilege—it’s a necessity. CMS was founded on the belief that every individual deserves access to dignified and affordable funeral services. Through our cooperative model, we have secured simple, cost-effective plans with locally owned funeral homes, ensuring our members receive fair pricing and compassionate care.
Access also means having clear, reliable information. Many people don’t know where to start when planning a funeral, navigating legal documents, or discussing their wishes with loved ones. CMS provides resources, workshops, and tools to help members make informed decisions—because knowledge empowers us all.
Belonging: A Place Where You Matter
Belonging is more than just being a member; it’s about being part of something larger than yourself. CMS is not just a service—it’s a community of people who care about each other and share a common purpose. Our cooperative model means that members own the organization and have a voice in how we operate.
Funeral planning is deeply personal, and for many, it can feel overwhelming or isolating. CMS creates a space where members can ask questions, share experiences, and support one another. Whether through member meetings, our newsletter, or direct conversations with our team, we want everyone to feel seen, heard, and valued.
Community: Strength in Togetherness
Community is at the core of CMS. We are stronger when we work together—whether advocating for fair funeral pricing, supporting grieving families, or ensuring that no one faces end-of-life decisions alone. Our partnerships with funeral homes, estate planners, healthcare professionals, and social organizations strengthen the support network available to our members. Beyond practical support, CMS is about building connections. When you join CMS, you’re not just securing a funeral plan—you’re becoming part of a movement that values compassion, dignity, and fairness. Together, we ensure that no one is left behind in their final arrangements.
Thank You for Your Feedback!
A heartfelt thank you to the 352 members who took the time to respond to our recent survey as part of our AGM invitation. Your input is invaluable and is actively guiding our next steps in marketing and communications. Your feedback is also shaping upcoming changes to our website, which we plan to roll out later this summer to better serve our members.
Carrying These Values Forward
Access, belonging, and community are not just words—they are the foundation of CMS and the reason we continue to grow and serve thousands of Albertans. As we move forward, these values will guide our work, ensuring that everyone has a plan, a voice, and a community they can rely on.
Thank you for being part of CMS. Your membership strengthens our cooperative and helps us uphold these values for future generations.
📢 Have thoughts on what CMS can do to better serve our members? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us anytime or join the conversation at our next member events being planned for early June in Calgary and Lethbridge.
| |
Spring Cleaning for Your Life Documents: A Fresh Start for Peace of Mind
Spring is a season of renewal—an ideal time to refresh your important life documents. Just as you tidy your home, reviewing and updating your end-of-life plans ensures everything is current and accessible. Here’s a quick guide:
1. Review Your Will
Major life changes—marriage, divorce, new family members, or big purchases—can affect your will. Ensure it reflects your current wishes and beneficiaries.
2. Update Your Personal Directive
A personal directive names someone to make healthcare decisions if you’re unable to. Confirm your chosen representative is still the right fit and your instructions reflect your current values. Take Action: Advance Care Planning Day is April 16, 2025. Join the “Check It Off Challenge” starting March 16 for daily steps to document your healthcare wishes. Sign up today | Learn more
3. Refresh Your Power of Attorney
Your enduring power of attorney allows someone to manage your finances if needed. Make sure your chosen person is still willing and able to take on this important role.
4. Reassess Funeral Preferences
Your wishes may change over time. CMS members can update their funeral and burial preferences online for easy access by funeral providers.
5. Organize and Share Your Documents
Ensure your executor and loved ones know where to find your updated documents. Digital storage options like Green Sleeve or your CMS profile can simplify access.
6. Start the Conversation
Discussing your plans now can reduce stress and uncertainty for your family later. Open conversations ensure your wishes are understood and respected.
Planning ahead gives peace of mind. Need help? Contact CMS today!
| | |
Partner with CMS: Support Affordable End-of-Life Planning
The Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS) is looking for professionals who share our commitment to accessible, affordable, and community-focused end-of-life planning. We partner with locally-owned funeral service providers, estate planners, financial advisors, health services providers and legal professionals to help Albertans make informed decisions with confidence. If you’re interested in collaborating with CMS, we’d love to connect!
📧 Contact Terry Geib, Executive Director, at terrygeib@coopmemorial.org to learn more.
| |
|
Navigating the Sale of a Home After Losing a Loved One
Losing a loved one is emotionally challenging, and selling their home can feel overwhelming. Balancing grief with practical decisions is difficult, but taking it step by step can help.
Understanding the Emotional Impact
A home holds memories, making the decision to sell deeply personal. Give yourself time to process emotions and consider options like renting or keeping the home within the family until ready to take the next step. Seek support from loved ones or professionals to ease the transition.
Practical Steps
● Assess the home’s condition – Repairs may be needed before selling.
● Choose the right real estate agent – A compassionate professional can guide you through the process.
● Price the home realistically – Market value may differ from sentimental value.
● Sort personal belongings – Take time to keep meaningful mementos.
Legal & Financial Aspects
● Review the will to determine ownership.
● Address outstanding mortgage or debts.
● Consult a tax professional about potential tax implications.
Honouring Memories & Seeking Support
Selling a home doesn’t mean forgetting your loved one. Preserve memories with photos or keepsakes. If needed, seek counseling or professional support to navigate grief while handling logistics.
Navigating this transition is challenging, but support is available to help you make the best decision for yourself and your family. View the full article.
Written by Kia Bhaidani, MSW, RSW, Realtor, eXp Realty
For guidance on the emotional and practical aspects of real estate, contact Kia at kia.yycrealtor@gmail.com or visit www.calgaryhomesforsale.co.
| |
CMS Moving to a Digital-First Model
Office Closure – Effective May 1, 2025
Due to rising rent costs and our ongoing shift to a digital-first approach, CMS will no longer retain its downtown Calgary office. This decision allows us to focus resources on enhancing member services.
A History of Online Operations
CMS has been operating online since 2015, ensuring members across Alberta can conveniently access support and information.
How to Reach Us
📞 New Digital Phone System: Our Membership Services Coordinator answers calls in person on:
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Urgent calls are prioritized, while other inquiries are converted to text and emailed. Members can expect a response within 24 hours on weekdays.
✉️ New Mailing Address Coming Soon: CMS will soon have a P.O. Box for mail correspondence. The address will be posted on our website once available. For faster communication, email remains the best option.
A More Sustainable Future
This transition enables CMS to better serve members while advocating for affordable, community-based funeral planning. Thank you for your continued support.
Questions or concerns?
Contact us at
📧 Email: admin@coopmemorial.org
🌐 Website: coopmemorial.org
| |
Member Story - A Costly Mistake Families Can Avoid | |
Barb joined CMS as Membership Services Coordinator in January 2017 after 30 years in hospitality. Her warmth and attention to detail are greatly valued by the Board. | |
We’ve shared this before, but it’s worth repeating—too many families are paying more than they need to when a loved one passes away.
Just this past week, two separate families contacted us after their loved one had died. They didn’t realize the deceased was a CMS member, so they went to a funeral home outside our network. The result? They paid about $3,000 more than they had to. Unfortunately, we hear stories like this all too often.
Help your family avoid this mistake.
✔ Tell your family and executor that you’re a CMS member.
✔ Make sure they know to contact us if they’re unsure which funeral homes we partner with in Alberta.
✔ Remind them to mention your membership when making arrangements—this ensures they access the lower-cost CMS member plans.
Find our partner funeral homes and member plan details here:
🔗 CMS Partner Funeral Homes & Member Plans
To make things even easier:
📌 Print your CMS member profile (Login here)
📌 Fill out our Guidance Form (Download it here)
📌 Give a copy to your family and keep another on top of your freezer—this ensures they have the right information when they need it.
Your membership is meant to save your loved ones money and stress. A little planning now can prevent costly mistakes later.
| | | |
The Cooperative Memorial Society exists to ensure that all Albertans have access to the resources, support, and guidance they need to plan and prepare for the end of life with dignity, clarity, and peace of mind. By providing education, advocating for consumer rights, and establishing meaningful partnerships, CMS empowers individuals and families across the province to make informed decisions about their end-of-life arrangements. As we transition to a policy governance model, CMS remains committed to maintaining our fiscal integrity, expanding our reach, and evolving to meet the changing needs of our members and the community. | | | | |
