Marilyn Helsenrott Hochhauser

Marilyn Helsenrott Hochhauser, died on the 16th of April, 2026, just two days before her 98th birthday.

Marilyn was a passionate and prolific artist whose dedication to her work spanned close to nine decades. Her love of art took root at a very young age at New York City’s Settlement House on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, and grew into a lifelong calling — one she pursued with unwavering conviction.

Marilyn went on to study Fine Art formally, earning both a BA and MFA through studies at C.W. Post, Hofstra University and furthering her education in Museum studies at New York University. As an active and enthusiastic participant in New York’s burgeoning art scene, she immersed herself in the early days of SoHo, showing work from the vibrant 1970s through to the 2000s. She brought that same passion into the classroom, joining the faculty of Trenton State College as a Professor of Fine Art, before finally relocating to Santa Barbara in her later years to be closer to her growing family.

As her practice evolved, Marilyn began to explore the art of Japanese paper making, and became a frequent visitor of Japan. The study of this ancient craft and culture greatly influenced her work and continued to inspire her in later years. She became an active member of the Toba – Santa Barbara Sister City Group, and organised adventures to Japan for Sister City members here in Santa Barbara.

Marilyn maintained a passionate commitment to the arts during her time in Santa Barbara. She was a vital presence and participant in the thriving local art scene—her creative drive was undiminished to the very end. Her sculpture, Mythic Women, remains one of her many lasting contributions to the community and can be viewed by all at Elings Park.

She is survived by her children, Jan Hochhauser, Shelley Lane, and Lisa Hochhauser; her seven grandchildren, Rachel, Oliver, Sophia, Samantha, Minka, Harrison, and Ariel; and four great-grandchildren. The creative spirit she embodied lives on in all of them — many have found their own paths in the arts, bearing her keen eye, her passion, and her exacting attention to detail.

She was predeceased by her husband of 69 years, Murray Hochhauser, her dedicated lifetime partner, who died in 2019.