Mitsue Murata Rose, 85, died at 3:46 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009 at Riveridge Manor in Niles following a brief illness.

She was born March 25, 1924 in Kamakura, Japan to Rokuzo Murata and Hisa Yamanoue Murata. She lived in Niles since she came from Japan in 1952. She retired in 2008 after more than 40 years of service from Ziker’s Cleaners in South Bend.

She practiced Nichiren Buddhism for 46 years as a member for the SGI-USA, under the leadership of Daisaku Ikeda, her mentor in faith. Mitsue was a survivor of war. Her commitment in faith was to be a voice for peace.

She married Robert W. “Sonny” Rose on Jan. 28, 1952 in Yokohawa, Japan. He died July 9, 2008.

She is survived by a stepdaughter, Jodi (Anthony) Vanlerberghe of Richland, Mich.; step-grandchildren, Ashtyn, Macen and Ava; and many nieces and nephews in Japan.
Brothers Ichiro Murata and Masuo Murata preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009 at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with Karl Smith, Men’s Division Leader of Northern Indiana Area SGI-USA, officiating.

Burial will be held at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. Friends may call one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Memorial may be made to the donor’s choice.