Eleanor Nila

Eleanor Pearl Nila, lovingly known throughout her life as Lillian or Lila, was born on Wednesday, November 2, 1932, in Pasadena, California, to Peter Ramos and Frances G. Ramos (née Guerrero) at Pasadena Women's Hospital. She peacefully entered into the presence of the Lord on July 12, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.

On July 4, 1958, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Lillian married the love of her life, Gilbert Nila — she was 25, he was 31. Together they shared 68 years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, love, and family. Their greatest joy was raising their three children, Gary, Sandra, and Cynthia, and as devoted parents, they always put their children first, making countless sacrifices to give them a loving and stable home.

Lillian was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, with a caring heart, a generous spirit, and a joyful personality that drew people to her. She loved to laugh and sing, had a wonderfully dry sense of humor, and found happiness in bringing smiles to everyone around her. Tea and cookies in the afternoon were her favorite treat, and a treasured memory was having high tea at Harrod's in London. She and Gilbert loved trying new restaurants and would drive for miles for a favorite meal, with San Francisco and Las Vegas among their favorite destinations.

Above all, Lillian was an extraordinary mother — loving each of her children unconditionally and serving as their biggest source of encouragement, comfort, and strength. Reading was one of her favorite pastimes, and she instilled that same love of books, especially cookbooks, in her children and grandchildren. She created a home filled with love, delicious meals, and treasured memories that will live on for generations, and she found her greatest happiness in caring for those she loved.

Her grandchildren, Allison, Jordan, and William, cherished every moment spent with their grandmother. She enjoyed watching nature shows with them, especially when Komodo dragons or monitor lizards made an appearance, and delighted in cooking their favorite meals, sharing stories from her past, and creating lasting memories together. Becoming a great-grandmother brought her even greater joy — Kennedy and Mackenzie Groover held a special place in her heart, and she loved shopping and cooking for them and celebrating every chance to spend time together.

Lillian was a talented cook, carrying on the same recipes taught to her by her mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law, Sefarina. She always cooked for an army, and there were always leftovers in the fridge. Her desserts were especially memorable — her crème brûlée, bread pudding, and pineapple upside-down cake among them — and many of her recipes continue to be enjoyed by her family today. She was a homemaker for many years before working at the University Club and the Valley Hunt Club in Pasadena, and she also lovingly served several families as a cook and household helper, always taking pride in caring for others.

A lifelong Catholic and devotee of her daily rosary and prayers, Lillian's faith remained a constant source of strength throughout her life. In her later years, she found great comfort and peace in reading her Bible every day. Her faith gave her hope, guided her through life's joys and challenges, and was the foundation upon which she built and raised her family.

Lillian is survived by her devoted husband of 68 years, Gilbert Nila; her loving children, Gary Nila (Nancy) and Cynthia Moll (Craig); her cherished grandchildren, Allison Nila Groover (Jeff), Jordan Moll (Michael), and William Moll (Harshana); her adored great-grandchildren, Kennedy and Mackenzie Groover; her loved niece and nephews, Frances Pollard, Preston Pollard, and Carey Ramos; and dear friends and neighbors who will forever treasure her memory.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Frances Ramos; her beloved brother, Richard Ramos; her precious daughter, Sandra Nila; and her beloved granddaughter, Taylor Daisy Pearl Moll, with whom she is now reunited with in Heaven.

Lillian spent her final days surrounded by family and friends at her bedside at Ivy Creek in San Gabriel, California, comforting her with their presence until she peacefully passed into eternal rest.

Though our hearts are saddened by her passing, we find comfort in knowing she is free of pain and at peace in the loving presence of Jesus Christ. Lillian's legacy of faith, unconditional love, compassion, laughter, generosity, and devotion to her family will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.