Lois Driggs Cannon was more than just the wife of a legendary astronaut—she was a woman of elegance, strength, and commitment to family and community. Known prominently as the ex-wife of Buzz Aldrin, she led a life that blended public grace with personal purpose, leaving a mark far beyond her famous marriage.

Quick Bio

Detail	Information
Full Name	Lois Driggs Cannon Aldrin
Birth Year	1928
Birthplace	Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Caucasian
Profession	Philanthropist, Socialite
Spouse	Buzz Aldrin (m. 1988 – div. 2012)
Family Background	Member of the prominent Driggs family
Known For	Marriage to Buzz Aldrin, civic engagement
Date of Death	July 17, 2018

Early Life and Family Background

Lois Driggs Cannon was born in 1928 in Phoenix, Arizona, into the influential Driggs family, a name synonymous with wealth, civic leadership, and political prominence in Arizona. The Driggs family had deep roots in public service, and her upbringing reflected strong values in leadership, responsibility, and community engagement. From a young age, Lois was exposed to a world of civic involvement and societal influence, which shaped her worldview.

Growing up in an environment where education and culture were highly valued, Lois developed an appreciation for the arts and public service. She learned how to carry herself with grace, confidence, and a sense of purpose that would follow her throughout her life.

Education and Personal Development

Lois pursued her education with the same discipline and ambition that defined her family’s ethos. While specific details about her educational institutions are not widely publicized, she received a well-rounded education that aligned with her elite background. Her interests extended into cultural affairs, social welfare, and public speaking, all of which played a role in shaping her identity.

Over time, she became known not just for her education but for her elegance and intelligence, qualities that made her an admired figure in the circles she moved in. Her keen interest in people and social causes hinted at her later involvement in philanthropic endeavors.

Career and Social Life

Though not known for a conventional career, Lois Driggs Cannon had an active social life and took on various roles within civic organizations and charitable institutions. As a philanthropist and socialite, she participated in numerous community-focused events, often supporting causes related to education, arts, and public welfare.

Lois was admired for her grace in public engagements and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Her presence added prestige to the events she attended, and she was known for her contributions to social initiatives rather than for any pursuit of fame.

Meeting Buzz Aldrin

Lois met Buzz Aldrin, the famed astronaut who was the second man to walk on the moon, in the 1980s. Their meeting was a union of two high-profile personalities: one from the scientific and military realm and the other from civic and social leadership. They connected through shared values, charisma, and a mutual appreciation for public life.

Their relationship blossomed into a romance that attracted media attention, given Buzz’s fame and Lois’s strong presence in social and political circles. It wasn’t long before their relationship became serious and headed toward marriage.

Marriage to Buzz Aldrin

In 1988, Lois Driggs Cannon and Buzz Aldrin married, forming one of the most watched partnerships of the time. Their wedding united not only two influential individuals but also two distinct legacies—Aldrin’s space exploration legacy and Lois’s political and social heritage. During their marriage, Lois frequently appeared by Buzz’s side at major public events, lending her poise and warmth to his sometimes intense public persona.

For over two decades, Lois supported Buzz during public appearances, speaking engagements, and charity work. The couple traveled widely, meeting dignitaries and appearing at science and space exploration conferences. Lois provided emotional stability and social grace that complemented Buzz’s public image.

Life as a Public Figure’s Spouse

Being married to one of America’s most celebrated astronauts came with intense public attention, but Lois Driggs Cannon handled it with elegance and discretion. She attended galas, awards ceremonies, and fundraisers, always presenting herself with class. Behind the scenes, she reportedly played a stabilizing role in Buzz’s life, which included navigating the challenges of fame, aging, and personal transformation.

Despite being thrust into the limelight, Lois managed to maintain her individuality, focusing on charitable endeavors and her family rather than basking in celebrity.

Personal Identity Beyond Marriage

Even as Mrs. Aldrin, Lois Driggs Cannon retained her unique identity. She was not merely the spouse of a famous man but a strong, independent woman with a personal legacy. Friends and family admired her for her intelligence, generosity, and quiet leadership. Her contributions to civic life and philanthropy were not diminished by her marriage but rather elevated by her continued sense of purpose.

Her strength was particularly evident in the way she balanced her public role with her private self—never seeking attention, always offering support, and quietly making a difference in her community.

Divorce and Life After Separation

After 24 years of marriage, Lois and Buzz Aldrin divorced in 2012. While the reasons behind the separation were kept private, the news attracted significant media attention. Lois, however, chose not to comment publicly on the divorce, once again demonstrating her discretion and dignity.

Post-divorce, she returned to a quieter life, focusing on her family and personal interests. She did not engage in public disputes or media interviews, preserving her integrity and reinforcing her image as a private, dignified individual.

Philanthropy and Civic Engagement

Lois was known for her involvement in charity work and civic causes, especially during and after her marriage. Her work was rooted in community service, education, and cultural preservation. While she may not have held a formal title or political office, her impact was felt through donations, board memberships, and presence at key fundraising events.

She was often praised for her commitment to uplifting others, and her background gave her both the means and the network to make a real difference. Her legacy in this regard remains part of how she is remembered today.

Later Years and Passing

In her later years, Lois Driggs Cannon lived a quieter life, surrounded by family and friends. On July 17, 2018, she passed away at the age of 90. Her death marked the end of a long and meaningful life. Tributes poured in from those who knew her personally and from admirers who respected her for her grace and resilience.

While she may not have held the fame of her former husband, her death was a moment of reflection for many who recognized her contributions and quiet strength.

Legacy and Public Memory

Today, Lois Driggs Cannon is remembered as a woman of class, generosity, and wisdom. Her association with Buzz Aldrin made her a public figure, but she crafted a legacy all her own through community service, personal integrity, and a life well-lived. She is admired not just for being part of a famous couple but for being a remarkable individual in her own right.

Her legacy lives on in those she helped, the communities she touched, and the dignified way she navigated a complex public and private life.

Conclusion

Lois Driggs Cannon lived a life defined by strength, grace, and service. Though often identified through her marriage to Buzz Aldrin, she carved her own identity as a philanthropist, social leader, and resilient woman. Her story is a reminder that behind many prominent public figures are equally remarkable partners who shape, support, and inspire from the sidelines. Lois’s life deserves recognition not just as a former spouse of a hero, but as a hero of everyday strength and dignity in her own right.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Lois Driggs Cannon?
She was the former wife of astronaut Buzz Aldrin and a philanthropist.

When did Lois Driggs Cannon die?
She passed away on July 17, 2018, at the age of 90.

What was her role in Buzz Aldrin’s life?
She supported him during public engagements and shared 24 years of marriage with him.

Was Lois Driggs Cannon involved in charity?
Yes, she actively supported social causes and civic initiatives.

Did she have a career outside of marriage?
While not formally employed, she was active in community work and cultural events.

For more update visit lvtimes