Passage Funeral Co-operative

Is a full service funeral home situated on Route 134 at Shediac Bridge, Westmorland County. The funeral home has three viewing salons, a family room and a show room. The Co-operative is governed by a Board of Directors and managed by a licensed funeral director assisted by licensed staff and a group of dedicated volunteers.

The Co-operative serves the requirements of members and non-members in Kent, Albert, Westmorland Counties and the Greater Moncton Area. This early attempt did not receive the membership support initially expected. At a meeting held November 26, 1998, the original Board recommended winding up the organization. Rather than wind up the Co-operative, it was suggested that a new approach be taken.

The new strategy was to get out into individual communities, starting with Cocagne, Grande Digue and Notre Dame. The motion to wind up was defeated and the new approach began. By January 30, 2001 there were 146 members and the Co-operative entered into discussions with Reginald Savoie of Pointe-du-Chêne for his employment as Funeral Director.

During 2001 and 2002, the Board of Directors established various Committees and efforts were concentrated on membership growth, acquiring a suitable parcel of land, the erection of a building and adequate financing. The Board"s efforts were rewarded when with the acquisition of a parcel of land in Shediac Bridge in 2002 and the completion of construction of a funeral home in early 2003.

Coopérative Funéraire PASSAGE Funeral Co-op Ltée./Ltd. opened its doors for business on March 16, 2003, with approximately 355 members, providing full service funerals to all faith communities in both official languages. The President of the Co-operative stated at the 2004 Annual General Meeting that many compliments were being received on the services performed by our Co-operative and stated that these were the results of the efforts of our Funeral Director and a team of dedicated volunteers.