JoLinda M. Belluchi Hughes

JoLinda Marie Hughes, 75, was called home on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving husband and her two adoring daughters. JoLinda fought hard to “stay on earth” with her family for as long as she could, until her body knew it was time to go home.

JoLinda was born on May 21, 1951, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Carmella (Grasso) and Joseph Belluchi. Not long after, her brother Johnny was born, and their family was complete. They made Des Moines’ east side their home, the place JoLinda would choose to live for the rest of her life. Her childhood home was filled with laughter, love, and the aroma of large Italian meals being prepared in the kitchen. JoLinda shared a special bond with her mother, Carmella, that time could never break. They loved their shopping sprees at Younkers, a tradition that later included JoLinda’s own daughters. JoLinda wanted everyone to know that she came from a small but mighty family. She forever missed her parents and brother after their passing and carried their love with her throughout her life.

JoLinda graduated from St. Joseph Academy in 1969 and later completed her cosmetology training and earned her license, just like her mom. She also spent time working at the Credit Bureau in downtown Des Moines, sharing stories of those days with her daughters over the years.

In 1977, JoLinda met a guy from the suburbs of Chicago named Monte. They went on their first date at the Iowa State Fair that year, and the rest was history. They married on September 30, 1978, and had just celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary. Their marriage was built on mutual love, respect, and unwavering support for one another. JoLinda would often say that Monte was a good provider and was “in it to stay.” Even when times were tough, they knew they could depend on each other. Monte will forever remember JoLinda’s pasta sauce as the best and will miss it dearly. JoLinda also “learned” to love the Chicago Bears and Cubbies for her husband.

JoLinda and Monte welcomed two daughters into the world, and from that moment on, JoLinda dedicated her life to them. She was the ultimate protector and advocate for her girls, helping them grow into the strong, independent women they are today. She supported their education and extracurricular activities and always welcomed their big groups of friends, making sure they knew the “pool was always open” in the summertime. JoLinda made sure everyone was fed and that no one ever left hungry.

She was the PTA mom, the tennis mom, the debate mom, the cheer mom, and later, the University of Iowa and Grand View College mom. JoLinda always showed up for her girls and their friends, and they all knew she would support them in any way she could. Mom was “always on call.”

JoLinda treasured the friendships she made throughout every chapter of her life and made a point of keeping in touch with the people who meant so much to her. She was a fierce supporter of the Des Moines Police Department and almost always had her police scanner on, even if it was just background noise. She could recognize an officer or dispatcher by their voice and identify the type of call by its code. When her “beautiful boy,” her son-in-law Chandy, became a police officer, she was overjoyed. She looked forward to feeding him a good meal whenever he stopped by during his shift, a simple but meaningful way she showed her love.

JoLinda is survived by her husband, Monte; her daughters, Kristina (Joshua) Pollock, whom she lovingly referred to as her son, and Gina Souvatrat; her cherished grandchildren, Jackson (aka Jackie, aka Grandma’s BFF) and Angelina (aka Grandma’s Little Angie and her little sissy); her mother-in-law, Norma Hughes; in laws, Jane Hughes, Laurie (Dennis) Sepanik, Kathy Kuthe, Davis (Julie) Hughes and Cristine Hughes. As well as countless cousins, with whom she grew up with and whose shared memories she forever cherished.

JoLinda was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, John Belluchi; her father-in-law, Raymond Hughes; her brother-in-law, Michael Hughes; her beloved son-in-law, Chandy Souvatrat and numerous aunts and uncles. In her final days, JoLinda told her family she was looking forward to seeing them all again. We can only imagine what a celebration it was when she was reunited with those she had missed so dearly.

JoLinda’s daughters want everyone to know that their mom was a bright light in a dark room and their anchor. She would do anything in her power for her family. Just like her own mother before her, JoLinda was the holidays. Her favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, will never be the same without her. Her home was filled with pictures her grandchildren drew for her, artwork created by her daughter Gina, and thousands of photographs capturing memories she never wanted to forget. Her home was a reflection of her heart: full of family, love, and memories. JoLinda lived for her family, and her family was her world.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 23, 2026 at Ss John and Paul Catholic Church, 1401 1st Avenue S, Altoona, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 6-8pm, Thursday, October 22, 2026 at Iles Grandview Park Chapel, 3211 Hubbell Avenue, Des Moines. Private interment will be held at a later date. 

The service will be livestreamed. Please go to JoLinda’s obituary page at www.IlesCares.com for the link and to leave online condolences. 

“Never let anyone blow out your candle.” — JoLinda Belluchi Hughes

Arrangements by Iles Grandview Park Chapel.