Lois Driggs Cannon

Lois Driggs Cannon was an American philanthropist and civic leader known for her extensive charitable work in Arizona and support for Catholic institutions. A member of a prominent Phoenix family, she dedicated decades to improving educational, cultural, and social services across the state. Her legacy is marked by significant contributions to healthcare, the arts, and community development.

Early life and education

Born in 1928, she was a member of the Driggs family, a well-established name in Arizona business and banking circles. She was the daughter of Ora Shumway and Burt Driggs, a former president of the Valley National Bank. Her early life was shaped within the context of Phoenix's growth during the mid-20th century. She pursued her higher education at Stanford University, where she earned a degree in history. Her formative years instilled a strong sense of civic responsibility, influenced by her family's deep roots in the development of the Southwestern United States.

Philanthropy and community involvement

Her philanthropic efforts were wide-ranging and impactful, focusing particularly on Catholic causes, education, and healthcare. She served as a longtime board member and benefactor of the Diocese of Phoenix, supporting its many parishes and schools. A major focus was her support for St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, where she contributed to expansions and the establishment of the Barrow Neurological Institute. She was also a pivotal figure for St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance, one of the world's first food banks. In the cultural sphere, she was a dedicated patron of the Phoenix Art Museum and the Arizona Opera, helping to foster the arts scene in the Sonoran Desert region. Her leadership extended to organizations like the Arizona Community Foundation and the Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest.

Personal life and family

In 1950, she married attorney John J. Cannon, who later served as a justice on the Arizona Supreme Court. Together they raised eight children, instilling in them the same values of service. The family resided primarily in Phoenix, becoming a central part of the city's social and charitable fabric. Her life was deeply intertwined with the Catholic Church, and she was a devoted parishioner at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Phoenix. The Cannon family name became synonymous with philanthropy and judicial service in Arizona, creating a lasting dynasty of community engagement.

Legacy and honors

Her legacy is preserved through the numerous institutions she strengthened and the community programs she championed. In recognition of her lifelong service, she received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award from Pope John Paul II, one of the highest honors bestowed by the Holy See on the laity. The Lois and John Cannon Endowment continues to support charitable causes across Arizona. Her contributions to healthcare were further honored by St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, and her support for education endures at institutions like Brophy College Preparatory and Xavier College Preparatory. She passed away in 2014, remembered as a matriarch whose generosity helped shape modern Phoenix and the broader Southwestern United States.

Category:American philanthropists Category:People from Phoenix, Arizona Category:1928 births Category:2014 deaths