The Memorial Society is a non-profit, non-denominational organization for those who believe in preplanning simple, dignified final arrangements at a reasonable cost.

What is a Memorial Society?

The Memorial Society of Edmonton and District is a non-profit, non-sectarian association of individuals and families, formed in 1957, and registered under the Societies Act of Alberta. An annual meeting is held each spring. Directors serve without remuneration.

Objectives:

To promote, through education, an understanding of death and an ability to cope with grief.

To promote simple, dignified funerals at a reasonable cost.

To enable members to choose the kind of funeral they prefer.

To encourage pre-planning before the time of grief and shock.

To prevent exploitation of the bereaved.

The Society Provides:

1. Forms to permit members to record their wishes as to disposal of remains, type of farewell service, speaker, etc.

2. Facilities for the filing, maintenance and amendment of such records.

3. A wallet-size identification card with the name of the co-operating funeral director of your choice.

4. Encouragement and assistance to “living memorials”, in which donations to charitable organizations will be favoured as tributes to the deceased.

5. Information concerning final arrangements and costs, burial, cremation, organ/tissue donations, etc.

Options:

When death occurs, two major decisions must be made regarding:

A. Concerning the disposal of the body:

1. Burial: Using the Society’s contract with a funeral director, minimal costs for a coffin, and other required services are available without further negotiation.

2. Cremation: Using the Society’s contract, with a funeral director, minimal costs for cremation, container and other required services are available without further negotiation.

3. Organ, Tissue or Body Donation: Members are encouraged to discuss their wishes with their family and their doctor, and to carry a signed donor card.

B. Concerning a farewell ceremony, if desired:

1. Funeral service (with body present), in keeping with the wishes of the family and the deceased may be held in a funeral home, a church or elsewhere. It is usually held within a few days of death.

2. Memorial service (without the body present), in keeping with the wishes of the family and the deceased, may be held at any place at any time.

3. No service, a private service, a graveside service and/or the scattering of ashes are additional choices to consider.

The Memorial Society of Edmonton & District (MSED)
#1108 (lower level) 10235 - 124 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1P9
Please note our office hours have changed:
Our office is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
From 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
phone: 780-944-0196 fax: 780-944-0791
e-mail MSED - click here