In Memory of Barbara “Barbie” Luce Michel

December 15, 1940 – September 1, 2026

Barbara “Barbie” Luce Michel, of Wayzata, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, at age 85.

Barbie had a rare gift for making people feel welcome. With her infectious smile, irrepressible laugh, clever sense of humor, and genuine curiosity about others, she drew people in—and, just as often, drew them together.

Born in Minneapolis to Phyllis Goodnow Luce and William Leonard Luce II, Barbie graduated from Northrop School in 1958 and attended the University of Colorado and later the University of Minnesota.

In 1963, Barbie married Winthrop Eastman, with whom she had three children, Steve, Katie, and Eric. In 1983, she married Lincoln “Mark” Michel, welcoming Geoff and Cathy Michel into her life and beginning a loving partnership that spanned more than four decades.

Barbie’s generosity was especially evident at her home on Westview Drive in Deephaven, a gathering place for family, friends, and neighbors who soon became part of the fold. A consummate host, she was often in the kitchen preparing her famous spaghetti or beef stroganoff, homemade brownies, and what many considered the world’s best iced tea—all while one of her beloved Cairn terriers held court nearby.

Barbie loved making her home feel special. The holidays brought out her flair for decorating and tradition, transforming the house into a festive and welcoming place. In summer, life moved outdoors to her lovingly tended gardens and hosta beds and gatherings around the backyard pool. Children grew up, grandchildren arrived, neighbors became friends, and still people gathered there. Westview Drive became more than a family home—it was a place where generations connected and people simply enjoyed being together.

Barbie and Mark also treasured time away with family and friends, from Hilton Head, South Carolina, to Beaver Creek, Colorado, and especially to their winter home in Bonita Springs, Florida. There, they embraced the Spring Run community at The Brooks and welcomed family and friends to share in their Florida escape.

Music and service also brought Barbie joy. A longtime member of the LeagueAires, a Twin Cities women’s singing group, she formed lifelong friendships while sharing the healing power of music with communities throughout the Twin Cities.

At the center of Barbie’s life was her family. She is survived by her husband, Lincoln “Mark” Michel; her children, Steve Eastman (Suzy), Katie Homan (Phil), and Eric Eastman (Jean); her stepchildren, Geoff Michel (Annie) and Cathy Michel; and her sister, Patricia Hagen.

To her grandchildren, she was affectionately “Grammie.” She was grandmother to Jessica Ballew (Cameron), Connor Eastman (fiancé Madison Marquis), Benner Homan, Chad Homan, Owen Eastman, Sophia Eastman, Ellie Michel, Lexie Michel (fiancé Dane Mui), Olivia Michel, and Cassie Michel. She was a proud great-grandmother to Avery Ballew and Jia Fields.

Barbie was preceded in death by her parents, Phyllis Goodnow Luce and William Leonard Luce II; her sister, Sandra Traff; and her former husband and father of her children, Winthrop Eastman.

Barbie will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by the many people whose lives were made richer by knowing her.

A celebration of Barbie’s life will be held Monday, September 28, 2026, at Wayzata Country Club from 2:00–5:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to remember Barbie and celebrate a life filled with family, friendship, laughter, and generosity.

Memorials may be made in Barbie’s name to the LeagueAires, P.O. Box 4113, Hopkins, MN 55343.