Sangerville and Lewiston - Jill Leonard Croteau, 66, passed away peacefully April 15, 2026, surrounded by family following a long illness at Northern Light Mayo Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft. She was born August 23, 1959, in Exeter, NH, the daughter of Norman and Patricia (Doble) Leonard. After leaving MA at the age of 10, Jill grew up in Milo and graduated from Penquis Valley High School. She then attended Washington Community College in Calais. Jill was employed by Bates Fiber, the Norwich House, and was a paralegal for the Androscoggin County court house in her early years and retiring from Tri-County Mental Health as a case manager.

Jill married Paul T. Croteau in Lewiston on August 28, 2005, sharing a wonderful 17 years before his passing in 2021. Jill loved her family. She raised her children in Lewiston. She was very active in the Fly Football community as both cheer mom and coaches assistance for her kids. She loved her pets, including time at the stable in Auburn. Jill loved to garden and recently took to taking photos. In her later years, her favorite time spent was with her husband at their home in Sangerville.

Jill is survived by her sister, Susan McCormick and husband, Rick of W. Gardiner; one brother David Leonard; her three children, Jamie Thompson of ME, Travis Thompson of AZ, and Bradley Bernard of NH; 3 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Norman Leonard and Patricia Doble Leonard; her husband, Paul Croteau; step-son, Thomas Croteau; and sister, Laurie Hunt.

No service will be held per Jill's request. A remembrance gathering will be held for family and close friends at a later date. The family would like to share a special thank you to the family she built with her neighbors who helped her maintain her independence. She loved you all so much. Consideration of donations may be sent to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, P.O. Box 7410354, Chicago IL 60674-0354 or Miracle German Shepard Rescue of Maine, P.O. Box 245 Searsmont, ME 04973. Arrangements are in care of Lary Funeral Home. Condolences and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.