Robin Bliss Stockton, known by many as “Elle,” passed away at 3:30 a.m. on the morning of October 8, 2026. She was multi-faceted: a teacher, author, social activist, spouse, and friend, humbly unaware of just how many people’s lives she touched.
She grew up in the “American Graffiti” town of Modesto and graduated from high school in Monterey. She received her Bachelor’s degree and Master of Fine Arts from UCLA and teaching credentials from National University.
Teaching High School English and a course in Psychology, Ms. Stockton was loved by her students.
Under the pen name “Elle Stockton,” she wrote 5 books, each of which won awards. Her most prized, though, were the 4-star and 5-star reviews she received and accolades from other authors. She excelled at painting vivid images in a few words while creating surprising twists of plot.
“Elle” co-founded a County-wide activist organization and did the lion’s share of the work. Working in support of environmental causes, healthcare, civil and Indigenous peoples’ and workers’ rights, along with campaigning for progressive candidates for political office, she developed a national and international following.
Robin savored time with close friends, traveling and snorkeling (particularly in Hawaii). She enjoyed writing poetry, as well as her stories, singing a broad range of music, and walking in the neighborhood, or tropical rainforest. She adored animals, notably penguins.
Raised Catholic, Robin remained active in church throughout her life. She loved Jesus, and lived her core values of gratitude, truth, justice, forgiveness and love. She also had appreciation for the teachings and beliefs of other cultures. Elle had an ability to make friends wherever she went. She loved, and was loved by many people from all over the country, as well as from Canada, Ireland, Great Britain, Germany, Switzerland, France, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand.
Still, she was really a very private person. It took great courage, but she stood up and went to the ends of the Earth for the people she loved and the causes in which she believed.
Even more courageously, she battled the challenges to her health. All the while she had a bright warm smile for everyone.
Robin was, to many, a hero, a source of inspiration. She will always be a brilliant light in the Universe.
Robin is survived by her husband Mark A. Hirshfeld, step-daughter Aria Murillo, and her cousins Deborah Farrell, Claire Stockton and Maurice Stockton.
She was preceded in death by her father Cleveland J. Stockton, mother Jeanne Stockton, aunts Edwidge Mead (a second mother) and Nadine Stockton, uncle Bliss Herrmann, and mother-in-law Roslyn Hirshfeld (another second mother).
Mass will be said for Robin at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026 at the Mission Basilica San Buenaventura, followed at 12:30 p.m. by Memorial at Aloha Steakhouse. Interment will be at 1:15 p.m. the following Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at the Santa Barbara Cemetery. Please contact Mark Hirshfeld for details, or RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/s/in-memory-of-robin-elle-stockt 5573042029587988/?mibextid=wwXlfr
Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be sent in honor of Robin Bliss Stockton to the Lupus Foundation of America, the American Lung Association and Coast Caregiver Resource Center.