Eva-Maria E. Carne

Eva-Maria Carne, 95, was born May 13, 1927 to Eleonore Kahn-Schulz and Dr. Bruno Kahn in Lebus , eastern Germany. She died in Ellensburg, Washington on April 28, 2023. Her very young childhood was secure and happy, but because her father was of Jewish extraction, even though he was a baptized Christian, by the time she was in school, life in Nazi Germany became increasingly difficult for the family. On November 9, 1938 (Crystal Night) her father's medical practice and their home was vandalized and ransacked. Eva's mother began her ultimately successful effort to get the family to safety. At 11, Eva and her brother, 15, were evacuated on the first Children's Transport to England and, after overcoming daunting red tape, the parents were able to follow in 1939. For fear of a German invasion of England, Eva and her parents changed their last name to the less Jewish "Carne".

This was only the beginning of Eva's odyssey. She graduated from the University of Bristol in 1949 with First Class Honours in German and a Certificate in Education. Her high school teaching career began in Bristol and London, then continued in Bavaria and Austria. Eva's best friend, who married an American Episcopalian minister, lured her to the U. S. So she began her graduate studies at the University of Colorado, Boulder on a fellowship, completing the PhD in 1968. She became a U.S. citizen in 1969.

Eva accepted a position as Professor of German at Central Washington State College, later University, Ellensburg. She taught German, all levels, also French. In addition to teaching, she was deeply involved in curriculum development, student and community support for 24 years. She also translated into German sections of Jane Goodall's The Chimpanzees of Gombe and Patterns of Behavior. In pursuing the idea of religious and political reconciliation in the works of the German-Jewish poetess, Else Lasker-Schueler, she travelled to do research in Jerusalem, where the poet died in exile.

Eva loved the theater and had a subscription to the Seattle Repertory for several years. She formed lasting friendships with young and old. Many years ago, when the son of a colleague was about three, he began to call Eva "Viva" and it stuck. She also had special affinity for flowers and animals: her pet cats, birds which she fed in her back yard for years were a source of solace. These relationships extended to the paintings and decorations she kept in her living spaces through the years. After her retirement she did volunteer work, including service on the Ellensburg Arts Commission and Hospice Friends. She was a lifelong walker; residents of north Ellensburg probably remember her walking through their neighborhoods in the early hours of the morning. When she acquired the lot directly behind her yard, she created a small wilderness of native plants and trees with a winding path and pagoda.

In 2016 Eva moved to independent living at Hearthstone; declining health necessitated her move to assisted living where she received excellent care while her follow residents as well as staff grew to love and respect her. Visits with her were uplifting, even to her last days, thanks to her serenity and acceptance of life, whatever it might bring.

Eva is survived by her nephews, a niece and their families in Australia and England. She never forgot her early experiences. Throughout her life she gave generously to organizations that protect and save refugees. A friend presumed that she did not want a lavish burial, even though she deserves the most beautiful flowers. Eva herself wished, in lieu of flowers, donations be made either to Hospice Friends or to the International Rescue Committee. A private prayer service will be held to say good-bye to our dear friend. Viva Eva! No services are currently scheduled. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.brooksidefuneral.com. Brookside Funeral Home & Crematory is caring for the family.