Judi (McElhinney) Peluso

Judi Claire (McElhinney) Peluso, 77 of Land O Lakes, Florida, passed away on February 28, 2025.

Preceding Judi in death were her parents, Eric and Judith McElhinney and siblings: Doris, Warren, Donald and Ralph.

The McElhinney farm is in Geneseo Twp., Iowa, where the family farm is still operating. Judi attended Geneseo Consolidated School until Middle school when she and her parents retired to Jesup, Iowa. Next came Jesup Middle School and Jesup High School.

As a young child and up to the age of 18, Judi loved to dance and took weekly lessons in Waterloo. Hip-hop, Tap, Jazz, Country, even Ballet was learned, and she loved to participate in recitals! To this day her Tap shoes are on display in our home.

Judi attended Upper Iowa University in Fayette, IA, and in 1967 married Joe Peluso from Mt., Prospect, Illinois. They resided in Illinois until 2008 when they retired to Land O Lakes, Florida.

Judi and Joe's lives were filled with many adventures. While working for United Air Lines, they traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, South America, the Caribbean, the Bahamas and even Russia! Judi has commented that during her life she had been to 48 out of the 50 states. Rhodes Island and New Mexico didn't make the list!

Judi loved reading and Counted Cross Stitching. She belonged to several book clubs over the years and used her Kindle to read extensively. Cross Stitch was a labor of love, and our home is adorned with scores of framed projects. Each one is marked with Judi and the year it was crafted.

Giving back to the community was a passion for Judi. She joined various philanthropic organizations such as Newcomers, Junior Women's Club, Infant Welfare and food delivery for Meals on Wheels.

Judi loved working. United Air Lines, AAA Chicago Motor Club and Crate and Barrel were her favorites.

Once daughter Anne Courtney was born, Judi decided the “first 18 years of a child's life are so important” so she chose to be a stay-at-home mom during that time. She loved being a “room mom” and literally spend many hours at school.

Fast forward a bit and a job transfer took Joe and Judi to Florida. Daughter Anne attended and graduated from the University of Florida with a master's degree in educational technology, and taught 5th grade. This gave Judi an opportunity to be a classroom helper!

Anne married, Anthony Fordyce and they were blessed with the birth of our grandson Anson Charles Fordyce, who is now 10 years old and lives in Land O Lakes also. Unfortunately, Anne developed a brain tumor and passed away when Anson was 4 months old. Anson helped fill a void in our lives and has been a delight as we watched him grow into an amazing young man.

After Joe's retirement, Judi decided to go back to work and chose to join the Walt Disney Company at a reservation call center in the Tampa area. She loved helping people from around the world make hotels, parks and dining reservations. Of course, this career had perks that allowed many trips and hotel stays at Disney World.

Judi and Anne are now in Heaven together and watching over Anson, family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life event has been scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Geneseo Methodist Church in Buckingham, IA. (3127 115th St.)