Lila J. Trado, 87, of Ridgefield, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 6, 2021. She was the loving wife of Charles D. Trado. Charles was with Lila when she passed.
Lila was born in Greenville, SC on November 21, 1933; daughter of the late Herman and Ann (Jones) Henne. Lila had two brothers, Clifford and Boyd who were also born in Greenville. As a child, Lila loved returning to Greenville to frolic with her cousins and to be with her beloved Grandmother. Her biggest delight was listening to her Grandmother’s stories. Lila vividly remembered waving to the troop trains as they passed her Grandmother’s house during WWII.
At an early age Lila danced and sang in musicals and variety shows. She also performed with her brother Clifford. She essentially grew up in Rye, NY eventually graduating from Rye High School in 1951. Lila thoroughly enjoyed her high school days with her many friends and social activities. Following graduation from Rye High School, Lila attended Tennessee Wesleyan for two years and subsequently transferred to State University of New York in Oswego, NY where she majored in Elementary Education. Lila met her future husband Charles while at Oswego. Charles was studying to be an Industrial Teacher entering his last semester. Lila was a member of Alpha Delta sorority. She was a cheerleader, a member of several campus clubs and participated in campus activities during her time at Oswego. Lila graduated from Oswego in 1955. At which time she began her teaching career on Long Island.
In the mean time, Lila continued her relationship with Charles who had entered the Army following graduation. After 16 weeks basic training, Charles was sent to Germany in December 1954. They both said their good byes and promised to see each other when he returned. While Charles was away, Lila continued her teaching career on Long Island.
When Charles was discharged from the Army, he reunited with Lila in 1956 and they were married on June 29, 1957. Lila continued her teaching career while Charles pursued his career. She moved several times as Charles assumed additional responsibilities in his employment. Together they raised four children: Bradley, Sanford, Alison and Dana. Bradley and Sanford were born in New York State, Alison in Illinois and Dana in Connecticut. As a family they camped as far West as Utah, as far South as North Carolina and as far North as Maine and Canada. Everybody was involved in sports, Boy Scouts and community activities. Additionally the family were members of Jesse Lee Methodist Church. While all of the children were active in their own pursuits, Lila had left teaching to become a stay at home Mom.
A resident of Ridgefield since 1965, Lila was a busy lady. She substitute taught when the children flew the coop, was the Monday Meals on Wheels Supervisor for 10 years, Cub Scout Den Mother, sang with the Ridgefield Chorale, danced with an organized dance group, and was a member of the Women’s Committee. Lila and Charles were very involved with a Diabetes organization. All of these activities were completed along with home front doings and keeping the family organized and functioning.
Lila is survived by her husband of 64 years, Charles and their children: Brad Trado and his partner Joann; Sanford Trado and his wife Sheryl; and Dana Trado and his wife Tracey. Lila is also survived by 4 grandchildren; Trevor, Beckett, Taggart, and Tilden Trado as well as 2 step grandchildren; Allison Smith and Nathan Mealy. In addition to her parents, Lila was predeceased by a daughter, Alison Leigh Trado and 2 brothers Clifford and Boyd Henne.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church at 207 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877. The service will be open to all who would like to attend. Kane Funeral Home is in care of funeral arrangements.
