With profound sadness and loving remembrance, the family of Eva Staack-Makela announces her peaceful passing on Dec. 2, 2025, after a lengthy respiratory illness.
Eva was surrounded by her family as she departed this life with the same quiet grace and warmth that defined her 86 years.
Born on July 7, 1939, Eva was the daughter of Ragnar Birch-Aune, Norwegian vice consul, and Erna Birch-Aune (née Lied), an artist and sculptor. Both preceded her in death, yet their influence lived on in Eva’s deep appreciation for culture, creativity, and the wider world.
Eva’s life was shaped by extraordinary resilience. A single parent for much of her children’s upbringing, she pursued her college education while raising her family, earning her degree in speech pathology and audiology from UC Santa Barbara. Her unwavering devotion and quiet strength were evident in every chapter of her life.
She was predeceased by her husbands Mads Staack (1975), Richard (“Dick”) Makela (2010), and Ken Duncan (2016, divorced 1970), and by her beloved son Scott Duncan (2001).
Despite the losses she endured, she never allowed sorrow to dim her compassion; she remained steadfast, selfless, and a constant source of support for those she loved.
Eva is survived by her children Colleen Skopnik (Greg Power-partner), John Duncan, Kim (George) Staack Read, and Lars (Yumiko) Staack; grandchildren Danica, Phillip and Erich Skopnik, Kirsten, Erik and Kristina Staack, and Craig and Kelly Duncan; great-grandchildren Harlee Voris, Bradley Skopnik, Knoxton Gomez, Careese Gomez (step), and Easton Staack; and her many loving cousins in Norway.
Her family will forever miss her quiet wisdom, sunny disposition, and gentle, unwavering support.
A citizen of the world, Eva lived in Japan, Norway, and the United States, and made her home in New York, Florida, and California.
After two decades in the Santa Ynez Valley, she settled in Arroyo Grande before spending her final three years in Maynardville, Tennessee, lovingly cared for by her son John and daughter Colleen.
Travel was one of Eva’s greatest joys, and her journeys took her across the globe to Italy, Turkey, Greece, Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, Cuba, Iceland, England, Scotland, Holland, Germany, Russia and Kenya. She embraced each place with curiosity and gratitude.
She also treasured RV adventures, golfing and fishing with her husband Dick; tending her garden; enjoying wine tastings; spending time with animals; escaping into films; and sharing cherished “girlfriend getaways” that filled her life with laughter.
Though her passing brings deep sorrow, Eva leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and quiet kindnes— a legacy that lives on in the many lives she touched.
In accordance with her wishes, Eva did not want services held. Arrangements have been made with the Neptune Society of Santa Barbara.
Her family takes comfort in knowing that she now rests in peace, carried forward in memory by all who were blessed to know her.