Funeral Information You Can Trust
Cleveland Memorial Society
Simple. Dignified. Inexpensive.
If these are words you’d use to describe your funeral arrangements, make your intentions known to your family and friends. Through the Cleveland Memorial society’s planning process, your intentions become the guidelines that your loved ones can follow.
With a one-time $25 fee, the Memorial Society provides access to reduced-fee funeral services with one of our Funeral Directors; planning forms, newsletters and resources to assist you with the process.
Fall newsletter 2023
Our fall newsletter is now available online.
Strawbridge Memorial Chapel
Strawbridge Memorial Chapel has become the newest funeral director to partner with the Cleveland Memorial Society. Started in 2008, Strawbridge Memorial Chapel is the first funeral home in the City of Cleveland to be established by an African American woman. With over thirty years in the funeral industry, owner and president, Stephanie E. Strawbridge, along with her dedicated staff, is committed to caring for families from all walks of life. We are excited to welcome Stephanie and Strawbridge Memorial Chapel to the Cleveland Memorial Society.
Shapiro Funeral Services
Ms. Shapiro sold her business about a year ago, and the new owner has declined to sign a contract with us. We have reassigned members to other funeral homes and sent letters to the affected members. While this is certainly disappointing for all of us, we are fortunate to work with some fine funeral directors. We are proud of the relationships we maintain with many businesses and organizations dedicated to the sense of comfort in end of life planning. No matter which of our associates you choose, you can trust that you will be in good hands, and we are just a phone call away. If you did not get a letter or would like to select a different director, please contact our office.
Funerals during a Pandemic
The pandemic isn't only affecting those families with a death from Covid19; it's changing end-of-life gatherings for all of us. The Funeral Consumers Alliance has posted short video that talks about options for what you might call "distance grieving." They also discuss some of the fears about dead bodies and Covid19; the short preview is "you really don't need to fear the bodies of the dead, and here's why."
Facts, Not Fear: Covid19 deaths and funerals
I support the Memorial Society
“I appreciate your efforts directed towards insuring that funeral costs are simple, dignified, yet inexpensive for my cremation selection.” — C.C.
Wonderful support during a time of grief.
It wasn’t until my father died that I realized what a favor he had done for us by becoming a member of the Cleveland Memorial Society. The Society offered wonderful support during a time of grief.
Thank you, Cleveland Memorial Society
“Thank you so much for all of your help. This has been the most helpful call I have made in months as I have been dealing with my friend’s illness.” - J.B.
Our Mission
Promote: To promote, through education and other means, dignity and simplicity in funeral arrangements
Plan: To plan for its members and their families either Simple Cremation or Simple Burial
Aid: To aid in the bequest of body or anatomical gifts (cornea, kidney, temporal bones) to medical science
Funeral Information You Can Trust
The Cleveland Memorial Society has nearly 6,000 members and is one of the largest memorial societies in the United States. Founded in 1948, CMS is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization.
Our work is conducted under the supervision of a board of trustees who serve a three-year term. Officers and board members are elected by the membership at our annual meeting during the fall. The officers and trustees serve without salaries.