Jill Mendygral

Jill Irene Mendygral, 72, of Harveys Lake passed away unexpectedly Wednesday morning, February 4, 2026, at home after nearly a decade of battling a lengthy illness. Born on June 9, 1953, she was a daughter of the late John and Irene (Benedict) Otscavich of the Newtown section of Hanover Twp.

Jill was a graduate of Hanover High School and was a pharmacy technician at Rite Aid in Pringle prior to retirement. Like most people, she did not enjoy working,but met and became lifelong friends with many of her coworkers over her decades of employment. Unfortunately, shortly after retiring her health began to deteriorate from her Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

More than anything she loved her friends, family, and her beloved dog, Chloe. Jill is survived by her high school sweetheart, John J. Mendygral, whom she was married to for 50 years, as well as two sons, John Matthew, 46, and his wife Nicole and Justin Todd, 43. In addition to her two children, she has four grandchildren, Tyler, Mason, Madden, and Grayson, 3 step grandchildren, Cadence, Blake and Nathan Stravinski, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, whom she loved and spoiled every chance she had. Besides her husband, Jill was closest to her best friend and sister Mrs. Jacqueline Howatt and her husband William of Hanover Township. Jill also had two childhood friends, Donna (Wink) Domant and Maryann Wydra who were supportive to John and Jill throughout their lives and difficult final years.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father, brother, Ned Blakeslee; sister, Judith Baranowski and dear friend, Rodel Dunn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Durham North Carolina or Duke Children’s Hospital.

Services will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11 at Kniffen O’Malley Leffler Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. 465 S Main St, Wilkes-Barre with the Reverend Roger Noss, pastor of Mt. Moriah Independent Community Fellowship, Nanticoke, officiating. Friends may call Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m.