Lila Wati Lal, 90 years old, a resident of the Monterey Peninsula for almost 65 years, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 8, 2025. Lila Wati was the matriarch of the Lal family. She was very much loved, respected, and highly regarded by everyone who knew her.

Lila Wati was born in Suva, Fiji Islands on September 3, 1934, and came to America in March 1960 with her 6 young children, ages 1 through 9, to join her husband, Jagdish Lal, who had come one year prior to prepare a home for them. Together they settled in Monterey, California. Lila Wati was employed as a maid at the downtown Hotel San Carlos for 20 years. Determined and dedicated, they worked hard, chasing and living the American dream.

Lila Wati is remembered by her genuine and lovely smile, and her friendly and helpful attitude towards everyone who met her. She was a caring and giving person who shared whatever she had with others. She will truly be missed by all who knew her.

Sadly, she leaves behind six children, Ajit, Ranjeet, Suman, Lata, Jagendra, and Ramesh and 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren and large extended family and friends.

Her free time was dominated by the things she enjoyed: playing slots at the casinos. She was most happy and joyous when being surrounded by her family and friends at the many functions and gatherings.

A funeral service will be held at Mission Mortuary, 450 Camino El Estero, Monterey on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 10:00am-12:00pm. A graveside service and burial will follow at the San Carlos Cemetery.

We were so thankful to have had such a dedicated and loving mother in our lives. Though we will be forever changed by the loss of this great woman, we also rejoice in knowing that she has gone to be reunited with our precious dad and granddaughter, Reshmi.

We would like to extend special recognition to Ruby, Egypt, and Veronica, who, with the best possible care, with dignity, respect, and compassion, cared for our mother during her battle with dementia.

Memorial Keepers (1)

Lila Wati Lal