Lila Yolanda Lynn

May 4, 1932 - November 26, 2020 Resident of San Mateo

Lila Yolanda Lynn Bilmes Humphrey passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thanksgiving morning, November 26, 2020, after a long struggle with lymphomas. Lila was born in New York City, in 1932, a “Depression Baby” as she called herself. She was born in a working-class family. Lila studied violin at Julliard, worked as a photographer’s model, wrote songs, lyrics, and short stories. Lila loved literature & theater. Lila earned a BA while working and helping finance her husband’s graduate studies. Later in life, Lila earned a MSW social work degree and helped the elderly immigrant population at Magnolia Senior Center, South San Francisco, where she was director. Lila had a witty, wicked sense of humor, a strong fighting spirit, and enormous empathy for others. She could make a waitress or supermarket checker feel like a king or queen, and loved it! Lila died in her house in San Mateo County, where she lived for half a century, raising her children Linda, Jeff, and Danny. Lila was a beloved mother and grandmother and beloved wife. She was the soulmate of her children’s stepdad Mike Humphrey for nearly 40 years. She loved all creatures, and was infinitely fascinated by the mysteries and diversity of life on earth, and the possibilities of life elsewhere! Lila leaves behind daughter, Linda Jan Bilmes of Belmont, MA, son Jeff Bilmes of Seattle, WA, and 5 grandsons, Will, Steve, Owen, Alexander, and Sebastian, and her husband Mike Humphrey. As Lila was fond of saying: “I love you, as big as the sky!”