Martha Bilich, born Ondina Marta Zambrano, a resident of Massapequa, died on February 5th, 2022 in the comfort of her longtime home at the age of 84. She was born in Pinar del Rio, Cuba on February 25, 1937, to the late Francisco and Maria Zambrano.

Martha was a dedicated wife and mother who raised 3 children and 8 grandchildren. Over the years she worked as a typist and invoicer at a book-binding company where she met her husband and the love of her life; she worked nights as a typesetter at Tobay Printing, as a childcare provider, and as a home health aide.

Martha was equally at home on a farm in Cuba, New York City, and suburban Long Island; she knew how to kill a chicken, milk a cow, and tend to a farm in the tropics and also host coffee brunch with the ladies in the community. She was an incredible balance of gentle and strong all in one person.

Martha’s life was checkered with grief, triumph, unwavering devotion to family, and incredible strength. Losing her husband and multiple siblings long before their time, she dedicated her life to her children and grandchildren truly relishing in their experiences and accomplishments together. Additionally, Martha was an active member of her community, she built decades-spanning relationships with her neighbors, frequented multiple area senior centers, exercised at the Ladies Workout Express, participated in a crochet club, and was an active member in the Red Hat Society. She always impressed her children and grandchildren with her stacked social schedule. She was also a dedicated parishioner of Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Massapequa for over 50 years.

She will be incredibly missed by her family who will always remember her incredible warmth, generosity, and kindness. Particularly, her voicemail messages, which often layered her caretaking responsibilities with a little side of guilt for good measure, to ensure a quick call back.

Martha is survived by her three children and their families. Children: John and Moira Bilich, Diana and David Smith, and Elizabeth Curran; grandchildren Christine Bilich, Lauren Landwermeyer, Jaime Foster, Ashley Smith, Emily Davison, Julie Smith, Martin Curran, Luke Curran, and great-grandchild Leona Foster. She is survived by three sisters; Dalia Cuns, Elsie Hudson, and Vicki Zambrano. Martha is predeceased by her husband John Bilich, daughter Deborah Bilich, brothers- Ben, Gus, Rolando, and Joseph Zambrano, and sisters- Mary Moreiera, Terry and Zoe Zambrano.