Margaret Irene (Zambon) Hillman

UTICA – Margaret Irene (Zambon) Hillman, 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 4, 2025. Born April 21, 1937, in Chadwicks, NY, she was the daughter of the late Hamil and Irene (Doyle) Zambon. She grew up in a large family of eleven children during the Great Depression and World War II and graduated from Chadwicks High School in 1954. Margaret was once married to the late Kenneth P. Hillman, and together they were blessed with five children. Family was the center of her life. From her upbringing, she carried the values of determination, hard work, sacrifice, faith, and education—principles she instilled in her children and shared generously with her grandchildren, whom she adored. Proud of their academic achievements, all of her children attended college, earning degrees and pursuing postgraduate studies—an enduring testament to Margaret’s belief in the power of education and lifelong learning. A woman of deep compassion, Margaret was especially devoted to helping children and those facing life’s challenges. She was a steadfast advocate for the Right to Life, volunteering extensively at the state level to organize events and staffing. She also championed music education, encouraging young people to bring music into their lives. Known for her kindness, she welcomed everyone—especially local youth—into her home and heart. Margaret’s faith was central to her life. Formerly a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, she later became a communicant at St. John the Evangelist Church, where she prayed the rosary with friends before sharing coffee and conversation. She is survived by her children, Kenneth G. Hillman, Mark P. Hillman, Mary Elizabeth Whitcombe and her close companion Mark Kelly, Mary Katherine (Dr. George Paik), and Dr. Vincent (Debra) Hillman; grandchildren, James Hillman, Grace and Daniel Quinn, Mark M. Hillman, Thomas and Mara Whitcombe, Katherine Whitcombe, Owen Hillman, Anne Hillman, and Vincent Hillman; great-grandchildren, Landon, Grayson, Lilliah, and Ethan; and her sister, Sandra Zambon Massoud Doyle. She was predeceased by siblings Doris (Santo) Palmano, Hamil "Sonny" (Grace) Zambon, Catherine (Fred) Smith, Helen (Luke) Raiano, Joseph Zambon, Vincent Zambon, Theresa (Arnold) Posner, Mary Elizabeth (Irving "Harry") Simons, and Francis Zambon. She will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and cherished friends. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Memorial Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 66 Oxford Rd., New Hartford. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the service. Inurnment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements are with Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Margaret Irene (Zambon) Hillman

April 21, 1937 - August 4, 2025