Martha Jean Hilliard (Cox) (September 2, 1956 – February 16, 2026)

Martha Hilliard, treasured wife, mother, sister, auntie and daughter, passed away on

February 16, 2026.

Martha was born in Visalia, California to Paul and Rosemary Cox, as the fourth of six

children. Even as a child she was known for making people laugh and trying to keep a clean

house. She studied nursing and became a Psychiatric Nurse at UCI Medical Center, a job

that she loved for 30 years.

Martha always wanted to be a mother and excelled at maternal duties. Her daughters were

accustomed to seeing her regularly on campus at SJB Catholic School, where she planned

classroom parties, lectured as part of Project Self Esteem, served on the Parent Teacher

Association, and chaperoned many field trips. She was so proud of her daughters and went

to extraordinary lengths to support them.

Martha managed to apply her whole self to everything she did. She had a reputation for

making everyone feel welcome while hosting large gatherings, always with fresh flowers

and linen napkins. She will be remembered for her curly hair and impeccable style, her love

of music and memory of lyrics, and her love of babies.

Martha passed away after 23 years of living with Parkinson’s Disease.

Martha is survived by her devoted husband of 49 years, Scott Hilliard, beloved daughters

Rachel (Billy) Eagle and Alissa (Ryan) Matze, grandchildren Eleanor Eagle, Braden Matze,

Archie Eagle and Hunter Matze; sisters Belinda (Rod) Lafferty, Rosemarie Cox, Mary

Budnack; brother Dennis Cox; and nieces and nephews Stephen (Lisa) Cox, Julie Cox,

Jason (Laura) Lafferty, Ryan (Lacey) Lafferty, Bradley Budnack, Jessica Cox, Jamie Cox,

Virginia Hilliard, Rhea Hilliard, Morgen (Gary) Meier, and Chelsea Hilliard. She was

preceded in death by her parents Paul and Rosemary Cox, and her brother David Cox.

A memorial in her honor will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 2pm at the Harbor Lawn –

Mt. Olive Memorial Park and Mortuary, 1625 Gisler Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.