Martha Jean Hilliard

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 in that role. Her daughters were accustomed to seeing her regularly on campus at SJB Catholic School, where she planned classroom parties, gave Project Self Esteem lectures, 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 applied 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 June 13, 2026, at 2pm at the Harbor Lawn – Mt. Olive Memorial Park and Mortuary, 1625 Gisler Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.