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Robin Joy Valle

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University of Illinois

Robin Valle Obituary

Valle, Robin Joy
Robin Valle, born July 11, 1953 in Syracuse, N.Y., died at home in Los Angeles on June 12, 2009. After receiving her BA from SMU and an MFA in Photo/Cinematography from the University of Illinois in 1977, she moved to Los Angeles. Valle exhibited her one-of-a-kind Cibachrome photographs at galleries and museums locally and nationally. In 1982, she was selected for the NEA funded, "Life in LA" project, sponsored by the Los Angeles Women's Building. Valle taught photography at many Southland colleges as well as the LA County High School for the Arts. She was one of the first LA based photographers to explore digital media, receiving an Innovative Instruction Grant from Chaffee College in 1989 to create their first photography class in digital media. In 1998 she became a member of the full-time faculty at El Camino College, where she was instrumental in developing the Digital Arts program.
She is survived by her parents, Joy and Bob Valle; Her brother, Dr. David Valle and his wife Sue ; her nephew Joshua Valle and his wife Mary; and her grandniece Margaret Valle. She will be remembered for her love of life, sense of humor, her incredible art work, gift of teaching, devotion to physical fitness and love of her pets by her family, many friends, colleagues and students.
There will be a one person show of her extensive work, entitled Robin Valle:From Darkroom to Digital Works from 1974 - 2009 at El Camino College Art Gallery, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, from August 31-September 25, with a reception on Tuesday, September 8, 7-9 p.m. For more info, call Susanna Meiers (310) 660-3593 ext. 3543.
Donations may be sent to SPCA LA, 506 West Jefferson Blvd., LA, Ca. 90016 or Rita's Rainbows, 5355 Davenport Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, Ca. 93401-8111. Condolences may be sent to the Valles at 5010 Burning Tree Circle, Stuart Fl 34997.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Aug. 25, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Robin Valle

Sponsored by anonymous.

41 Entries

Jane Dawson

July 11, 2025

Robin, I cannot believe that it has been 16 years since you left us. Tobey Tinkle was the last of your three to leave for the Rainbow Bridge in 2021.
You have not faded the many memories that I and others still hold so deeply.
The lot of Good and Bad has infiltrated this World. I have needed my sidekick.

Rich

April 12, 2025

I am applying to El Camino College for a part position and thought of Robin. I was wondering if she was still there only to find that she passed away. She obvious was learning the material as she went along, but she was amazing in the way she fostered creativity and was very kind, funny and sweet. I really owe her a debt of gratitude because of her. She taught my first 3d class that actually landed me a my first job that started my career. Rest in peace.

Stephen Perry

June 7, 2024

To the instructor who taught me one of my favorite classes in Animation that I created a assignment called, Perryland Amusement Park in 2001. Much Love, from a beloved, student ID# 0229345 Stephen Perry

Susan Otto

April 30, 2021

I think of Robin often when I’m walking my 3 dogs. She used to call “girls! Girls!”, when trying to get her pack in order. I call out the same every day, often in Robin’s voice. I miss her. I am so grateful that she welcomed my dear Stella into her care so often so that I could travel and advance my career. She also looked after me in the many times I was sick. She has a gentle place in my heart and always will.

April 28, 2021

https://www.elcamino.edu/administration/publicrelations/docs/2009/august/ArtGallery-8-09.pdf

Paula Gaon

September 22, 2012

RIP, Robin. Remember you well from SMU days - always full of life, with a smile and toting a camera. Your memory will always be a blessing & inspiration.

Robin Valle with her fellow grad student, Duane Powell, at the University of Illinois, 1976

Debbie Becker

June 20, 2012

Raul Estravit

April 25, 2012

I was shocked to hear of this, Robin was a very funny woman, We had many laughs together, We use to work together in the "catering" field. At the very famous company known as Rocco. She was graceful, very feminine, pretty and had a wonderful cute voice. I will never forget the memories I have of Robin Valle. Rest in peace my friend. The world is less of a "place" without you. Raul in Los Angeles.

Robert Cauley

April 13, 2011

You are one of the best Teachers I ever had ...You will be Greatly Missed.

Susan Otto

July 18, 2010

Not a day goes by when I don't think of you.

Jill Bryant

July 16, 2010

Hi Robin :-)

This last year at El Camino has been really horrible without you, and I miss you everyday. Your bubbly spirit stills fills the class room and I am going to keep it alive with our new students that you have never met. Our advanced animation students are really feeling your loss. Many of them did not return, but in time they will and know that you are still there and that they are always welcome. I still expect to see you coming through the door and saying "Hello" with your high pitched voice . . . Miss you always . . .

Love You,
Jill Bryant

Janette Rowell Chauncey

July 10, 2010

It came as a great shock to me when I heard of Robin's death today (7/10/2010) through a classmate of my sister's and an even greater shock to see that one of the photos posted was my father and my two nieces sitting with Robin on the garden bench in our front yard in Baldwinsville, NY! The Valles were dear friends of my parents, lived next door to us and maintained contact with them for many, many years even after moving away. I remember Robin as being like a little pixie with her joyful giggles and impish ways.It is always sad to hear of someone's passing, but it sounds like she had a good life and a great many friends over the years...she lived with no regrets. That is a happy circumstance. Not many have a chance to touch the lives of others as Robin did.

Kim Mosley

May 6, 2010

Robin was my photo student in the early 70s at SMU. And, to be truthful, I was her student to her teachings of having fun making art. I was a pretty serious guy back then, and needed her boost to let loose a little. She went from SMU to the school I had attended... the University of Illinois... and while there as a graduate student saved my teacher's life when he was struck with a heart attack. Little Robin took charge, told everyone what to do, called the ambulance... one of her teachers, Luther Smith, told me the story not long ago.

I would see Robin sometimes when I'd come to LA, and observe her eagerly moving through the different stages of her life. One time she had my come to her class as a visiting artist and I was able to witness the enormous respect her students had for her (and she for them).

Robin is often in my thoughts. I had not heard about her passing until recently, when googling her one day and being struck with such a sad note.

What Robin has given to all of us (I had the benefit of reading the four pages of touching tributes) will live on... and on... and on.

Sleep well, Robin.

Kim Mosley

Robert Perrett

September 23, 2009

Hi Everyone,

My name is Robert Perrett. I remember the first time I met Robin Valle before summer of 1999. I was in an independent study program in High School with LAUSD called City of Angels. My Dad and I had petitioned her to get into her Computer Animation class for 1999. I had won First Place in Computer Art Design at the End of Year Art Show at Harbor College. She would approve me into Computer Animation class because of that win. I was get so excited to be studying Computer Animation at El Camino College. I also remember the day she introduced her Mom and Dad to the class as well when they visited that summer of 1999.

During the regular semester, I looked forward to her class ever Friday. I enjoyed it so much that it took again three more times while in Independent Study, and I also took her Digital Video class.

When I graduated from City of Angels, and one independent study when I was full time at El Camino, and I would came back time to time to visit and have lunch even though I was not in any classes with them.

What I remember about Robin is warmth and her kindness. She cared about all her students. I loved her personality; she has such a high pitch chirpy voice. Whenever she had an obstacle a technical problem with the computers, she would growl at it, and then Jill would help, and then a few seconds later, Robin would laugh about it.

I am also thankful for Robin and Jill because if it weren’t for them, I would not have gone to California State Summer School of the Arts (CSSSA) Animation of 2000 for High School Students. She wrote a great recommendation letter on my application. I got to be away from home for the first time in my life, and that event lasted for about a month. Thanks to that, I have made connections there that I am reconnecting with again on Facebook.

I remember the day we had 9/11, and I came to visit because I wanted to check out what was on the Internet and plus it was therapeutic to talk to Robin and Jill about such a horrible event.

Another time, I had an incident in my Math class. There was a student (not a student in the class). He was outside of the class in the hallway, he had a cell phone that ranged, and he talked. The teacher told that person to leave and use the cell phone somewhere else. The teacher scream at him, and that guy yelled back. Then the teachers push the student, and the student push the teacher, and they got into a big fight. I was so scared that I wanted to drop the class, but I did not I needed to move on to the next Math class. I told Robin about the incident, and she was concern about it. I ask her what would happen to the teacher. If he had tenured, they would just slap him the wrist, but if he didn’t have tenured, he would be written up. I knew that teacher did not have tenured, and I was glad that he would be written up. Robin was concerned about me, just like she was to all her students.

The last I talk to Robin was when there was a Friday class, and it was during lunch. I told her and Jill that I was transferring to Cal State Fullerton next semester. I will never forget Robin for what she has done in my life, and I hadn’t seen her in 5 years. Robin would always ask me, “When are you going to learn to drive?” I would like to tell her in person that I finally learned to drive during my last semester going to Cal State Fullerton, and I graduated in spring of 2008.

What I most remember about Robin is that when lunchtime came, she would tell class, “I’m going to lunch, I’m not starving, and if you want to come and eat lunch with me, you can, and if you want to stay you can.” Very few teachers do that, and are willing to eat lunch with students, and I treasured that. I even tried to bring over a little bit of El Camino over to Cal State Fullerton and tried to bring friends together eating lunch albeit, it was much easy to do so when you have a one-day class with a lunch break which is how it was at Cal State Fullerton’s art classes.

Nobody can take away these memorials that I have of my beloved teacher. I will always remember and cherish the good times that I had in her classes.

Jill Bryant

September 22, 2009

Dear Friends, Students, Family and Faculty,

Over the 13 wonderful years I have worked with Robin as her computer tech and tutor in the animation classes here at ECC, many of you I have become very close friends with over the years. We all became a family in these classes because of Robin.

Robin was amazing with the students no matter what their challenges or needs. She would always go out of her way to help any student and was always accommodating.

I loved her spontaneity, her "out of the box" way of teaching and the creative freedom she would instill in every student.

I looked up to Robin like she was my older sister. We were a great team and I always knew when she needed me to fix, in Robin's words "a snarled up" computer problem or help a student with a complex 3D Studio question that defied her patience.

I miss Robin's quirky sense of humor and the way she teased the students. She would threaten to play Johny Cash music over the speakers in class if any of the students became cranky or grumpy or wouldn't leave after the class was over. In many cases Johny Cash would be played despite the moans and sighs.

She would often bring several large bags of candy to class to give the students a special treat or possibly a "bribe"!

In 3D Studio there are objects called "gizmos" which she always referred to as "doohickeys"!

I can still hear her voice calling our advanced animation students "Ed, Ed!" or "R O B E R T! I need Jill's help now you will have to wait." Or "Tyson, your long legs are taking up to much real estate. Move away from my computer and into the other corner!"
Tyson obliged.

I will miss the great times me, Steve, Robin and Jane had at Phyllis Green's New Years Day Parties. In fact any time spent with Robin felt like a party.

I miss her always telling me "Thank you for your help Jill" or "I couldn't do it without you" or "Your the greatest!" after every class. And she would always buy me a bag of skittles or starburst to say thank you. She was always so concerned about making me and everyone around here feel so appreciated. She was always so kind.

And finally Joyce, I just wanted to thank you for bringing Robin into our lives.
Robin gave us so much happiness over the years.

Robin, every time I'm in class I still expect to see you coming around the corner and hearing your bubbly voice say "Hello!"

Love in Robin,
Jill

Phyllis Green

September 21, 2009

Many of us who teach would balk at the prospect of admitting a friend or peer to one of our classes. Not Robin. When I told our mutual friend Lisa Bloomfield that I was interested in learning animation software, she recommended Robin's class at El Camino. I called Robin, and she wholeheartedly encouraged me to enroll.

The first class I enrolled began in June 2002. It met four days per week and was part of an intensive summer session. It was the first class I had enrolled in since I'd finished graduate school twenty years before, and since I'd started my own college teaching career; and my first ever formal computer-based class. I loved it! There were a large number of students, and I, accustomed as a teacher to groups of twenty-somethings, was amazed at the diversity of ages, abilities, and interests among these students. Mostly, I was amazed at Robin's ability not only to manage this situation, but also to manage it with a smile. She seemed to know many of the students - Robin had "fans" who enrolled in her classes repeatedly, I came to learn since I became one of them- and she was willing to entertain all manner of questions and comments, some of which would send a weaker soul screaming from the room. Her good humor, patience and tolerance seemed to guide her in diffusing many challenging classroom situations.

Her intelligence and grasp of the subject matter was immediately apparent. Robin was prepared and thorough in the lectures and demonstrations with which the classes began. Afterwards, she would circulate among the students and offer special one-on-one assistance. Observing Robin as a teacher clarified something that I know after years in the field: that the best teachers are kind and generous people. Robin had an abundance of both these qualities, which made her an exceptional teacher.

She was ever encouraging of my interest in digital animation, and a great cheerleader of my projects. I felt, as many of us did, that Robin's attention was above and beyond the call of duty. She offered to share books and teaching materials with me, and tolerated my inquiries outside of class time, as long as I agreed to call on Thursdays after "Survivor" ended. I enrolled in the class as many times as the El Camino system would allow, and always enjoyed being there. Her cheeriness was infectious. I sat up front, and our chats became conversations about things other than 3D Studio Max. We became friends who shared many things in common. We were both women artists who were inspired by feminism in the seventies. We shared friends and experiences as artists in Los Angeles since the 80s. We'd each had dogs and birds as pets, and loved to trade animal stories. We host an annual New Year's Day party at our house. Robin and Jane attended many, and became popular amongst the guests. They would arrive with party hats, cameras, and a big bowl of tabouli salad that Robin claimed was her cooking obligation for the year.

My shock and sadness at Robin's sudden and early passing is overwhelmed by my appreciation of the many gifts she gave me as a teacher and a friend: When I think of Robin, I hear her gleeful giggle. The exhibition by Susanna Meiers in the El Camino Gallery is a wonderful tribute to a vibrant, talented, loving person who made a difference in many lives. I will miss her.

judith Grant

September 20, 2009

With smiling eyes, delightfully wry humor and a laugh that will never leave us, Robin made me feel as if we had known each other forever. From the moment Sandra introduced us, I could instantly understand why Robin was such an exceptional and integral part of her life. My sincere condolences to Robin’s family, her extended family and all the people she touched.

Uncle Bob, his grandchildren, and Robin as a preteen

September 9, 2009

Jane Dawson

September 6, 2009

Dear Robin, a week ago today I was flying back to Spaulding from West Palm Beach. Your parents had a service for you at the Mariner Sands Chapel Memorial Gardens in Stuart on Saturday the 29th. Your uncle Rich and Jackie along with cousins Susan, Debra and Randy, aunts Ellie and Ramona with Gene and of course your brother David and Sue and son Josh were all there. We were all outside in the garden with you, Elfie, Ruby and Bailey. You must have showered us with wet kisses cause the rains came down. We moved under the cover of the church and shared our memories of sweeter times. Then the sun came out shinning so bright as we put you and the girls to rest. Then we of course partied back at Club. Later that night your father Bob, Ellie, Rich and Ramona performed and sang with everyone joining in. You had to have heard us!
But it was the night before at "Shrimpers" on the water that a beautiful rainbow appeared around sunset after the thunder and rain. You could see both ends and we all could only think that it was you at the Rainbow Bridge with all your loved ones who have gone before. Then another rainbow above the first came out and I would like to think that it was Rita and Judy thanking you for remembering Rita's Rainbows and Judys SPCA LA. Tipper , Dani and Tobey send their love and give Cindy another big hug for me. We miss you so.

Susan Otto, Maeve Mooney and Robin Valle

September 6, 2009

Robin and parents, Bob and Joy Valle

September 6, 2009

valle family reunion

September 6, 2009

Robin, Sandra and Jane 2009

September 3, 2009

Tenure at El Camino College

September 3, 2009

Senior Picture, Hinsdale, Illinois 1971

September 3, 2009

SPCA LA Run 1987

September 3, 2009

valle family reunion

September 2, 2009

Sandra Klein

September 2, 2009

I will remember Robin the day I met her, at my wedding, the day I brought home Noah from the hospital, walking with the dogs, her giving me feedback on my artwork and vice versa, laughing with her, crying and commiserating with her. She knew more about me than anyone. She was vivacious, loving, a person with the highest of highs, and some very low lows. She was an incredible artist who loved dogs, birds, plants, music......and her friends and family. I miss her so.

T.C. Goble

September 2, 2009

Personally-I am seeing Robin on my Wedding day in my living room-excitedly claiming "that having my own Shop would be like having my own Masquerade every day!" Albeit she named the store. The countless dinners at Jane's apartment...and the dogs- the dogs and dogs.
The artwork was a joy. Layers of lace on life, the textured picture. All that she sought to create in her whimsical wit-I know she is embraced with now. For our parts we have the difficult journey into the silence without her lilting voice, her wonderful vision and sense of color-her nuances on the day.

Debra Valle

September 1, 2009

To my dear cousin, Robin ~ crossing the Rainbow Bridge far too soon! You've left 'footprints' on our ? hearts ? . May you be at peace now, watching over us all and smiling . . . and forever laughing with angels!

Jerry Durham

August 31, 2009

Farewell, Robin. I will miss the good times with you, the dogs, the fish and Jane.

Stet Hindes

August 29, 2009

Robin, we enjoyed your classes and will truly miss you. Thanks for all the inspiration and humor.

Connie Fitzsimons

August 29, 2009

Robin, I miss you, especially now as we start a new semester at ElCo! You might be horrified to find out that I've inherited the title of Dr. No in my new position as dean! If you were still with us, I'd invite you to take a "spin in the dean's chair." So far, only Joyce and Dianna Crossman have taken me up on this offer. I'll keep you posted with updates. Love, Connie

Linda Otto

August 27, 2009

Robin was a friend I never met. I often held her in my heart because she was such a dear and faithful friend to my daughter. She made Susan laugh. What better gift can you give a friend than the gift of laughter!

Ann Otto

August 27, 2009

Dear Robin, I am sorry I never got to meet you in person. I hope you know that Susan will forever be imitating your pixie voice and telling me the funniest stories about your life and adventures. And in this way, you will always be with us. Life is so much quieter and dull without you.

Ali Ahmadpour

August 26, 2009

I will miss her smilling face and her sense of humor in our meetings and gatherings.

Susan Otto

August 25, 2009

I miss Robin every day. She was my great friend for 16 years - my rock of support and confidant in good times, bad times and even the worst of times. She was a loving "Auntie" to my beloved dog Stella for 14 years. I respected her as a colleague and loved her as one of the best friends i have had in my life. She made me laugh to the point of tears more times than I can remember. I am devastated by the loss of Robin. Her absence is deafening. My thoughts and prayers go out to her friends and family.

Danielle Costa

August 25, 2009

Oh Robin, we miss you so much. You were a great friend and neighbor. Thank you for helping me change my life; you really did do that for me. I will remember you always.

Joyce Dallal

August 25, 2009

Robin, I miss your wonderful laugh and the way you could cheer me up by making even the worst things seem funny. I wish you could see your show, you would be so impressed with yourself! It's such an inspiration to see your work, though I know if you were here you'd tell us to stop making such a fuss. Well, you're worth it and we miss you terribly. Love you!

Jane Dawson

August 25, 2009

Dear Robin, not a day goes by without Tipper, Dani and Tobey and I wishing that you were still here. We all miss you so very much. You will always be, my neighbor, my friend, my kid sister my other half, the one and only that I could talk to and see and share my inner most feelings everyday for the past 32 years. The neighborhood, El Camino College, your students and family and everyone you touched or befriended we will never ever forget you. I know you can feel our love. Jane and our babies.

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