Jo-Ann Glendinning

Jo-Ann Glendinning passed away peacefully in her home overlooking a lake, surrounded by her loved ones on February 22, 2026. 

Jo-Ann met her husband James when they were both assigned to the same Secret Service training class in Washington, DC. Jo-Ann subsequently participated in many Secret Service protective assignments, including a multi year assignment to the White House. She married James in 1987 but chose to resign her position from the Secret Service when he was transferred to Raleigh, North Carolina. While in Raleigh, Jo-Ann worked for the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation as an intelligence analyst. Jo-Ann later transferred with James to Detroit, MI, Saginaw, MI, a return to Washington, DC, with a final move to Orlando, FL. It was during these life events that Jo-Ann found time to give birth to and raise two wonderful and beautiful children, John and Jenna. After moving to Orlando with her family, Jo-Ann discovered her passion for library services, first working at the W.T. Bland Public Library in Mount Dora, followed by her 17 year directorship of the Fruitland Park Library. It was as the Director of the Fruitland Park Library that Jo-Ann successfully applied for state and federal grants, including some city matching funds, for the construction of a new and architecturally stunning, $2.2 million library building. The Fruitland Park Library has grown to be the number 1 customer facing program in the City of Fruitland Park and ranks among top library programs in Lake County and Central Florida. Due to Jo-Ann’s eminently successful stewardship of the Fruitland Park Library, funding was recently approved to initiate an expansion of her immensely beautiful and functional library building.

A devoted wife of James for 39 years and a loving mother to John and Jenna, Jo-Ann was known for her selflessness and creativity in every relationship she built. Jo-Ann always found great joy in helping those around her, and enjoyed visiting the beach, tending her garden and plants, working with her colleagues, and cooking delicious meals.Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched, in both her personal and professional lives. We will remember her as the heart of our family, along with her abundant love that shaped who we are today.

Donations

In memory of Jo-Ann, donations may be made to: The Friends Of The Fruitland Park Library604 W Berckman St Fruitland Park, FL 34731

To share memories of Jo-Ann or to leave a special message of condolence for her family, please visit the guestbook below.