Have you ever heard the name Lois Driggs Cannon and wondered who she really was? Many people know her as Buzz Aldrin’s ex-wife, but her life story is much deeper and more meaningful than just that one connection.
Buzz Aldrin is one of the most famous astronauts in history. He walked on the Moon in 1969. Because of that, people often become curious about the people close to him. This is where Lois Driggs Cannon comes into the picture. But when you look closer, you see a woman who lived a full and active life long before and after her marriage.
In this article, we will explore everything about Lois Driggs Cannon. We will talk about her early life, her education, her family, her marriage to Buzz Aldrin, and her inspiring journey. By the end, you will see that she was not just someone connected to fame. She was a strong and independent woman with her own story.
Early Life of Lois Driggs Cannon
The early life of Lois Driggs Cannon was simple and grounded. She was born to her parents, Effie and Douglas H. Driggs, in the United States. She grew up in a normal family environment, which helped shape her strong and friendly personality.
As a young girl, Lois was known for her energy and joy. She loved meeting people and making friends. Because of her lively nature, she was given the nickname “Mighty Mouse.” This nickname shows that even though she may have been small in size, she had a big and bright personality.
Her early life was not connected to fame or public attention. Instead, it was filled with simple moments, family time, and learning. These early years played a big role in shaping the calm and kind person she later became.
Lois Driggs Cannon Education and College Life
Education was an important part of Lois Driggs Cannon’s life. She first attended North Phoenix High School, where she was known for her friendly and outgoing nature. She enjoyed being around people and taking part in school activities.
After high school, she went on to study at Stanford University, one of the top universities in the United States. She graduated in 1951, which was a big achievement. Her time at Stanford helped her grow as a person and opened doors for her future.
During her college years, Lois continued to be active and social. She built friendships, learned new skills, and developed a love for learning. These experiences helped her become confident and ready for the next steps in her life.
Lois Driggs Cannon Career, Personality, and Interests
Lois Driggs Cannon was not just known for her relationships. She had a full and active life of her own. She worked as a teacher and was also involved in public relations. She enjoyed helping people and being part of meaningful work.
She also had a strong interest in giving back. Lois was known for her philanthropy, which means she liked helping others and supporting good causes. This shows that she had a kind and caring heart.
Outside of work, Lois loved to stay active. She enjoyed skiing and playing tennis, which kept her energetic and healthy. She also loved to travel and explore new places. In fact, she visited more than 40 countries and lived in 18 different cities. This made her life exciting and full of new experiences.
Lois Driggs Cannon First Marriage and Family Life
Before meeting Buzz Aldrin, Lois Driggs Cannon was already married. She married Bryant W. Cannon in 1955 in a temple ceremony in Mesa, Arizona. Their marriage lasted for many years and was an important part of her life.
During their marriage, the couple lived in different countries, including Germany, England, and Belgium. This was because her husband worked in early computer data processing for companies like IBM and ITT. Living in different places gave Lois a chance to see the world and learn about new cultures.
Their marriage lasted for about 27 years, which shows that they built a long life together. During this time, Lois focused on her family and created a stable home. This period of her life shows her strength, patience, and commitment.
Lois Driggs Cannon Children and Family Bond
Family was very important to Lois Driggs Cannon. From her first marriage, she had three children: Lisa Cannon, Brynn Cannon, and Bryant Cannon. She was a caring and loving mother who gave her time and attention to her children.
Raising children is not always easy, especially when moving between countries. But Lois managed it well. She created a strong bond with her children and made sure they felt supported and loved. Her role as a mother was one of the most important parts of her life.
Even later in life, her family stayed close to her. Her children remained a key part of her world. This shows that no matter what changes happened in her life, family always came first.
How Lois Driggs Cannon Met Buzz Aldrin
So, how did Lois Driggs Cannon meet one of the most famous astronauts in the world? She met Buzz Aldrin around 1985, many years after his Moon landing. At that time, Buzz was already a global name.
Their meeting brought together two very different lifestyles. Buzz lived a very public life, full of interviews and attention. Lois, on the other hand, preferred a quiet and private life. You might wonder—how did these two connect?
Even with their differences, they built a relationship. Sometimes, opposites attract. Their connection grew over time, and soon they decided to take the next step. This meeting would change Lois Driggs Cannon’s life in a big way.
Lois Driggs Cannon and Buzz Aldrin Marriage Story
Lois Driggs Cannon married Buzz Aldrin on February 14, 1988, which is Valentine’s Day. This made their wedding feel even more special. The ceremony was attended by close friends and family.
During their marriage, Lois played a supportive role in Buzz’s life. She stood by him as he shared his ideas and worked on his projects. They even worked together in a business that promoted his achievements and future vision.
However, life in the public eye is not always easy. Being married to a famous person can bring pressure and challenges. Even though Lois stayed calm and private, the differences in their lifestyles slowly became more clear.
Lois Driggs Cannon Divorce from Buzz Aldrin
As time passed, the marriage between Lois Driggs Cannon and Buzz Aldrin began to face challenges. They had very different lifestyles. Buzz lived a very public life, full of travel and attention. Lois preferred a calm and private life. Over time, these differences became harder to manage.
Their relationship slowly came to an end. The couple separated around 2011, and their divorce was finalized in 2012. Reports say the divorce was not easy. It was described as difficult and emotional, which can happen in many long relationships.
There were also financial details involved in the divorce. Lois Driggs Cannon received a settlement that included around $9,000 to $9,500 per month in support. She also received a share of their savings and part of Buzz Aldrin’s income. While these details were public, Lois stayed quiet and handled everything with dignity.
Life of Lois Driggs Cannon After Divorce
After her divorce, Lois Driggs Cannon chose a very peaceful path. She stepped away from the public eye and returned to a private life. She did not give interviews or try to stay in the spotlight.
Instead, she focused on what truly mattered to her. She spent time with her family and lived a calm life. Many people in her position might have stayed in the news, but Lois made a different choice.
This tells us a lot about her personality. She valued peace, privacy, and happiness over attention. Her life after divorce shows strength and self-respect. She knew what kind of life she wanted and stayed true to it.
Lois Driggs Cannon Death and Final Years
In her later years, Lois Driggs Cannon lived quietly and peacefully. She stayed close to her family and continued to enjoy simple moments in life. There was no public drama, just a calm and steady life.
She passed away on July 17, 2018, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The cause of her death was reported as natural causes. She was 88 years old at the time.
Her passing was a sad moment for her family and those who knew her. She was remembered as a kind, active, and loving person who lived life fully. Her story did not end in fame, but in peace.
Lois Driggs Cannon Inspiring Quote and Life Lessons
One of the most touching things about Lois Driggs Cannon is the message she left behind. In her obituary, a beautiful quote was shared:
“Life doesn’t always give you what you want. The key is making the most of what you have. Every day when you wake up you can choose to be happy.”
This simple message says a lot. It reminds us that life is not always perfect. But we still have the power to choose how we feel and how we live.
When you look at her life, this quote makes even more sense. She went through changes, marriage, divorce, and many life experiences. Yet, she stayed calm and positive. That is something we can all learn from.
Final Thoughts
So, what is the true legacy of Lois Driggs Cannon? Many people may first know her as Buzz Aldrin’s ex-wife, but her story goes far beyond that.
She was a woman who lived a full life. She was educated, active, and curious about the world. She traveled widely, raised a family, and supported others. She also handled both good and difficult times with quiet strength.
In today’s world, many people chase fame. But Lois Driggs Cannon chose a different path. She chose a life of balance, family, and peace. That is what makes her story special.
Even in 2026, people still search for her name. Why? Because her life feels real. It shows that you do not need to be loud to be meaningful. Sometimes, a quiet and kind life leaves the strongest impact.
(FAQs)
What was Lois Driggs Cannon’s cause of death?
Lois Driggs Cannon died from natural causes on July 17, 2018. There were no major health issues publicly reported, which surprised many people.
How old was Lois Driggs Cannon when she died, and when was her birthday?
She was 88 years old when she passed away in 2018. Her birthday was November 2, 1929, and she was just a few months away from turning 89.
Did Lois Driggs Cannon have children?
Yes, she had three children from her first marriage: Lisa Cannon, Brynn Cannon, and Bryant Cannon. She did not have children with Buzz Aldrin.
Why did Lois Driggs Cannon divorce Buzz Aldrin?
Their divorce happened around 2011–2012, mainly due to lifestyle differences. Lois preferred a quiet life, while Aldrin lived a very public and busy life.
What was Lois Driggs Cannon’s relationship with Buzz Aldrin?
Lois Driggs Cannon was Buzz Aldrin’s third wife. They married in 1988 and were together for over 20 years before their divorce.
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