Constance Frigaard Martin

Constance “Connie” Marie Frigaard Martin passed away peacefully on August 16, 2025, in Spokane, Washington, surrounded by love. Born on July 8, 1940, in Spokane to Harold and Eva Conlon, Connie was a lifelong resident of the city she cherished.

She grew up with her brothers, Tom and Jeff Conlon, and graduated from North Central High School in 1958. That same year, she married Darrell Frigaard, with whom she shared 33 years of marriage until his passing in 1991. She found love again with Lanney Martin, whom she married in 1992; they were together until his passing in 2020.

Family was the foundation of Connie’s life. She was the proud mother of five children: David Frigaard (who preceded her in death in 2010), Donald Frigaard, Barbara Frigaard, Daniel Frigaard, and Deven Frigaard and stepmother to two children; Terry Martin and Tam Martin. Her legacy lives on through her beloved grandchildren; Chaylee Piger, Alexxis Raugust, Derek Frigaard, Victoria Harper, Jacob Bewley, Dalyn Frigaard, Christopher Frigaard, and Ty Frigaard and her great-grandchildren, Henry & Lincoln Piger, and Samuel Michael Raugust.

A woman of unwavering faith, Connie lived a life rooted in service, community, and deep Christian conviction. A lifelong believer in Jesus Christ, she expressed her devotion through actions more than words. She served as worship chairman of Our Savior's Lutheran Church and later became a treasured member of St. Marks's Lutheran Church. Connie never met a stranger. Whether greeting a lifelong friend or someone she had just met, she made it her mission to ensure others felt truly seen, valued, and appreciated. She gave compliments freely, stood firm in her convictions, and had a rare ability to bring people closer through honesty and heartfelt conversation. Above all, she loved Jesus deeply and believed in showing Christ through how she lived. She treated everyone as a child of God and lived accordingly.

Connie’s passion for civic life was matched only by her determination to improve Spokane, especially for its children. In 1978, what began as her push to remodel the aging North Central High School grew into a citywide movement. Under her leadership, the community passed a bond measure that led to the construction of a brand-new North Central and nine new elementary schools, a transformative moment in Spokane’s educational history. Decades later, in a full-circle moment, District 81 awarded Connie a ceremonial key to North Central in 2022. She found it deeply meaningful to be honored by the same district she had once passionately challenged.

She also contributed to Sheri Barnard’s successful mayoral campaign and remained active in civic efforts throughout her life. While managing a small business and staying engaged in community causes, Connie never missed an event involving her children. From 1974, when her first child entered North Central, to 1992, when her youngest graduated, she was a fixture at school events, first as a proud alumnus, then as a parent, and eventually as a beloved presence in the school community.

Her life was a living testimony of faith, fearless advocacy, compassion, and purpose. She leaves behind a city enriched by, and a family forever grateful for, her love, her strength, and her voice.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Connie's name to the American Cancer Society