Mildred “Billie” Okos dies at 96

Longtime Five Towns resident Mildred “Billie” Okos, who last lived at The Atrium in Lynbrook, died Saturday, Dec. 12, at South Nassau Communities Hospital in Oceanside, following a brief illness. She was 96.

Billie lived her entire life in and around the Five Towns, where she worked in various capacities, from owning her own wig store and working at Trees in Cedarhurst, to the position she held for 25 years in the Aircraft Noise Abatement Office (TVASNAC) in Lawrence Village Hall for the Town of Hempstead, from which she retired at 91. Billie's family describes her as someone who loved socializing, enjoying a good party, being with family and friends and "regardless of whatever adverse situation came up in life she rebounded, always living life to the fullest." A sandwich was also named for her at the Sherwood Diner in North Lawrence called "The

Billie O."

Billie is survived by her daughter, Carol Mauriello, and son-in-law, Louis Mauriello of Woodmere; grand-daughter Emmie Kim “Goldenbaum” Cook, husband Harry Cook; and great-children Isaiah and Zoe Cook of Philadelphia, Pa.; and grandson Whyle Kye Mauriello of Woodmere. She is predeceased by her husband, William, son, Gary, and his daughter, Kim Okos. She will be interned in a private burial in the family plot in Chichester, NY. A remembrance service will be held at Goldie’s Italian Restaurant in Gibson on Jan. 9.