NILES – Kaneko “Amy” Carpenter, 78, of Niles, passed away at her home on Monday, May 24, 2010, with her family by her side.

Amy was born on Feb. 8, 1932, in Sendai, Japan, to the late Toshio and Kyo Kikuchi. She was one of five children in the Kikuchi household.

During World War II Amy met Carl E. Carpenter in Japan.

The two wed on Dec. 14, 1952. Carl and Amy moved to the United States and together they had three wonderful daughters.

She is preceded in death by her parents and husband Carl.

She is survived by her daughters, Jaye (Donald) Raabe of Niles, Paula (Brian Rank) Carpenter of Dowagiac and Gail (Robert Hojara) Johnson of Niles, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A memorial luncheon will be held on Sunday, June 6, at the Niles Community Park, formerly the Order of the Odd Fellows, from noon to 4 p.m.  The park is located at 1505 Bond St. in Niles.

The family will be holding a private graveside service at Smith’s Chapel Cemetery, where Amy will be laid to rest next to her husband.

Donations may be made in Amy’s name to Hospice at Home Inc., 4017 Chamberlain Road, Buchanan.

Condolences, photos and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services and Mission Hills Memorial Chapel.