Constance Connie Joy Driver

Longtime Moscow resident and human rights activist, Constance (Connie) Joy Driver, passed away quietly in her home Sunday afternoon, August 14, 2016. Connie was born March 4, 1948 at Menorah Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri to Myrl and Ann Harman. She was raised in Upland, California, a true 1960s California girl. A lover of sports, she competed in many high school teams, including varsity tennis, women's diving, and synchronized swimming. She loved helping her father with carpentry projects, and was a lifelong do-it-yourselfer. Her creativity extended to sewing and handicrafts. She was an avid gardener and loved hiking, water skiing, camping, and traveling. As an early graduate of Upland High School, she attended College of the Desert in Palm Desert, California, where she joined the Baha'í Faith and met her husband Toney of 46 years. They were married on June 21, 1970 at Pilgrim Pines Campground in Yucaipa. She picked her own bouquet from a field of wildflowers and the couple cut a wedding watermelon instead of a cake. The couple settled in the Salinas Valley and had two daughters, Heather and Heléna. Ever the adventurers, the family moved to Idaho in 1978. Connie was excited to live in Northern Idaho and experience true winters and the pioneer lifestyle. She dove into learning from her neighbors in Lapwai, learning Nee Mee Poo beadwork and leather work. Her daughters still cherish many of her pieces. In 1980 the family moved to Moscow, Idaho. The Driver home was always filled with love, food, music, and fellowship. For many years Toney and Connie hosted weekly impromptu music sessions, monthly potluck dinners for international students, and regular BBQs and gatherings for the Baha'ís and greater community. Toney and Connie founded and ran Terra Enterprises and BonTerra America, employing dozens to manufacture reforestation and erosion control products, which are still used around the world. She worked tirelessly for human rights causes locally and around the world. She was a member of the Moscow Human Rights Task Force, Zienzele Foundation, and Genesee Mountain Village Foundation, among others. Connie was a representative for the March of Dimes, and a founder of Finding the Center Conference and the Center for Health Education Resources. She is survived by her brother Greg Harman (Amy), husband Toney Driver, daughters Heléna Gregory (Tim) and Heather Hudson (Kevin), grandchildren Victoria, Ramona and Geneva Gregory and Aria, Brannon, and Claire Hudson, and extended family including Aaron and Shekufeh Hudson and their three sons Sina, Aram, and Nadeem Hudson. Burial: Tuesday August 16 at 11:00 a.m. at the Moscow Cemetery 1650 Troy Rd, Moscow, ID 83843 Celebration of Life Service: Potluck Dinner Wednesday August 17, 6:00 p.m., at the SEL Event Center, 1825 Schweitzer Drive, Pullman, WA. The family suggests memorials be made to the Genesee Mountain Village Foundation, 1010 Genesee-Troy Road, Genesee, ID 83832. Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel, Moscow, and online condolences may be sent to www.shortsfuneralchapel.com