Lynn Trombetta, 72
Lila ‘Lilavati’ (Lynn) Trombetta journeyed from this earth on May 6, 2025. She died peacefully with her beloved cat, Das, by her side at her home in Hot Springs.
Lila was born May 10, 1952, to Rudy and Patricia Trombetta, in Rochester, Pa. She was raised in Conway, just north of Pittsburgh, in an Italian family. She loved to cook and would make huge batches of treats and delicious pasta sauce (recipe inspired by her grandmother) to give away to her friends.
Lila came to Montana to attend Rocky Mountain College in Billings in 1970 where she met many lifelong friends and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her spiritual awakening came when she lived at a Hare Krishna temple in California where she worked as a cook.
She loved to visit the desert in the spring and was most inspired by the mountains and rivers of Montana, especially the Pryor Mountains and the lower Flathead River. She decided to make Montana her home – living in Billings, then Missoula, Lolo, Bear Creek near Red Lodge, Ronan and finally Hot Springs.
She drew beautiful Mandalas depicting nature, peace, prayer and meditation. Her work can be found in the homes of her dear friends.
Earning a master’s degree in Music Composition at the University of Montana, Lila loved singing, drumming, and music of all kinds – especially when playing music with her beloved friends and nephew. She played the trombone in a city band, and drummed with drum groups almost everywhere she lived, connecting musically with others as she walked her journey.
She wrote and recorded original music and had quite a collection of unique percussion instruments. Even as her health diminished, she would watch videos of her favorite musicians and excitedly share video links with her friends when performances inspired her.
Lila practiced the ancient healing art of Jin Shin Jyutsu, and had a healing studio for a time. She loved to garden, read and learn about the world, and play backgammon and other games with her friends.
Lila’s children were her many cats that she parented along the way. She loved wild horses, too, and was a true animal lover.
In Sanskrit, Lilavati means “playful” or “one possessing play,” and that name truly describes her humorous and adventurous spirit. She made friends easily, and had a feisty side too.
She cared deeply about her friends and family, and is survived by her brother, Dennis Trombetta (Barb), nephews Daniel, Lee and Lucas, niece Julie, and her many, many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her dear Aunt Rita and other family and friends.
Services will be held this summer. Memorials may be made to hospice, an animal shelter, or the charity of your choice. Lila wanted everyone to know that she loved them.
Lynn Trombetta