Elaine passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family.
She will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished family member whose life was defined by warmth, resilience, humor, and deep love for those closest to her.
Early Life
Elaine was born in Chicago, Illinois, where she spent her early years before building a life centered around family and hard work.
From an early age, she was known for her strong spirit and caring nature.
Career and Work Life
Elaine worked hard throughout her life and later retired from OmniSource.
While her career was important, she was most proud of the roles that defined her personally—being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Her greatest fulfillment came from her family, not her job title.
Family and the Center of Her Life
Elaine’s family was the most important part of her world.
She is survived by:
- her daughters, Tammy Garza and Tina (Rick) Walters
- her sons, Will (Jennifer) Luzar and Daniel Rucoi
- her grandchildren, Cassandra (Patrick) McCormack, Soraya (Chris) Victor, Antonio Garza, Ben (Lauren) Luzar, and Sam Luzar
- her cherished great-grandchildren, Flynn, Mae, and Rhodes
She poured her love into every generation and stayed actively involved in their lives.
Her presence, encouragement, and humor created memories that will be carried forward for years.
Personality, Interests, and Joys
Elaine was known for her vibrant personality and love of life’s simple pleasures.
She enjoyed:
- caring for her tomato plants and gardening
- shopping and little everyday outings
- cooking meals for her family
- watching NFL football, especially the Kansas City Chiefs
- following her favorite soap operas
- listening to music, including George Strait, Wayne Newton, Chris Stapleton, and soft classics
- watching old movies
- her admiration for Johnny Depp, which often brought laughter to family conversations
She also had a deep love for animals and treated every pet with kindness and compassion.
Her humor, energy, and personality made her unforgettable to those who knew her.
Faith, Strength, and Legacy
Elaine will be remembered for her strength, humor, and loving spirit.
She had a way of bringing laughter into difficult moments and comfort into everyday life.
Her legacy is not defined by one achievement, but by the love she gave so freely to her family.
Family in Heaven
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, William and Emily Peters, and her sisters Joan and Sandy.
Memorial Contribution
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:
Breastie Box — www.breastieboxes.com
(an organization close to Elaine’s heart)
Funeral Service Information
Funeral prayers for Elaine will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Resurrection Mausoleum on the grounds of Catholic Cemetery, 3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46805.
Final Tribute
Elaine will be remembered for her warmth, humor, and deeply loving heart.
She lived a life centered on family, connection, and joy in everyday moments.
Though she will be deeply missed, her presence continues through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—the family she loved most in this world.
Her legacy lives on in every memory, every story, and every moment of laughter she left behind.
