Jean K. Mottillo

Jean K. Mottillo, 86, of Meadville, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 1, with loving family and friends by her side, leaving behind a legacy of faith, education, service, and love.

Born on October 19, 1940, in Meadville, she was one of ten children born to Leroy and Julia K. (Swaney) Lynch. Jean grew up on Liberty Street, attended St. Brigid Elementary, and graduated from Meadville Senior High School in the Class of 1958.

Following high school, Jean attended Villa Maria College in Erie, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Dedicated to lifelong learning and professional excellence, she later earned a Master's Degree in Education from Edinboro University.

Jean devoted 37 years to educating young people within the Conneaut School District. She began her teaching career at Greenwood Elementary School in Geneva, Pennsylvania, before continuing at Conneaut Lake Elementary School and later Alice Shafer Elementary School in Linesville. Teaching was more than a profession for Jean; it was her calling. She cherished the opportunity to help children learn and grow and remained deeply interested in their lives long after they left her classroom. Throughout her retirement years, she delighted in hearing from former students and took special pride in meeting the children and grandchildren of those she once taught.

In 1965, Jean married John A. Yanacek, and together they welcomed their son, John Jr., in 1966. Later in life, she married John Mottillo in 2010. Their years together were filled with companionship and happiness until his passing in 2015.

Jean's Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. A devoted member of St. Brigid Church, she generously volunteered in numerous parish ministries and activities over many years. She was also an active member of the Lions Club and the Red Hat Club, where she enjoyed friendship, fellowship, and serving her community.

In her later years, Jean resided at Juniper Village Assisted Living, where she formed many meaningful friendships and remained known for her warm smile, kind spirit, and genuine interest in the lives of others.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Julia K. (Swaney) Lynch in 1962 and Leroy Lynch in 1977; her husband, John Mottillo, in 2015; her brothers Pat, Tim, Terry (James), Dan, and Mike Lynch; and her sister, Luanne.

She is survived by her son, John Yanacek Jr. and his wife, Laurie; granddaughter Rebekah Yanacek and her fiancé Danny, her stepchildren, Steve Yanacek and his wife, Krista; Linda Yanacek; Leslie Yanacek; Carla Mottillo; John Mottillo and his wife, Anita; Mark Mottillo; and Chris Petrini and her husband, Frank; her brothers, Chris Lynch and his wife, Anne, and Sean Lynch and his wife, Vicky; her sister, Eileen; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, former colleagues, and generations of students whose lives she touched.

Jean will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her devotion to family, her commitment to education, and the kindness and compassion she extended to everyone she met. Through nearly four decades in the classroom, she helped shape the lives of countless young people, and her influence continues through the students she inspired, the family she loved, and the community she served so faithfully.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Jean's family takes comfort in knowing that her life was one of service, generosity, and love, and that her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Family and friends are invited to call from 2-5 PM on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE, where a Scripture Service will be held at 4:30 PM.

A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 10 AM on Monday, November 9, 2026, at St. Agatha Church, 353 Pine St., Meadville, with Fr. Jeff Lucas, Pastor, officiating.

Jean will be laid to rest in St. Brigid Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask you consider contributions to The American Cancer Society, The Parkinson's Foundation, The Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute, or the Meadville Lions Club.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com