Brief History of the Memorial Society Movement

Many people have heard of Memorial Societies but few are sure of just what the term covers. 

Memorial Societies began in the 1930's in the USA and were formed by people who did not agree with the form the traditional funeral was taking, with increased cosmetology, elaborate caskets, abundance of flowers and resulting high cost. These people felt the public was often unaware that an alternative arrangement could be made and felt that information and education was essential so that those consumers who preferred a simple funeral arrangement or had real financial constraints could have a funeral at a moderate cost.

The idea spread and many Memorial Societies were formed in the USA and eventually in Canada as well. All Memorial Societies are non-profit and primarily or entirely run by volunteer boards of trustees and special committees. A very modest lifetime fee (usually about $20) provides a member a comprehensive Handbook on funerals, Pre-arrangment forms, a Vital Information form, business and membership cards. A copy of our most recent Annual Newsletter and/or Organ and Tissue Donation Brochure can also be included if requested. The Newsletter tries to keep our members informed on present and new practices in the funeral planning industry, changes in related government legislation, local society news and often a humorous twist to make sure we do not take ourselves or the natural death and dying process too seriously.

Brochures and other materials are printed by the National and Provincial levels and made available at cost to member societies in order that they can provide literature to interested parties and groups. Volunteers take on speaking engagements at senior citizens groups, retirement homes, churches, colleges and university professional schools etc. to provide unbiased information on funeral types and options thus providing consumers with all the available information for informed decision making. We also try to participate in related newspaper columns and local magazines.

Those of us who are active in the movement and promoting Memorial Societies as consumer activists and educators of the public regarding funeral arrangements and alternatives believe very strongly that we are a necessary voice on behalf of the consumer. We feel it is largely due to the educational activities of Memorial Societies that recent progressive changes in funeral services have taken place.

 

(Edited from)

Pearl Davie 
President 
Federation of Ontario Memorial Societies

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