Dorothy Shigeko Murakishi

Dorothy Shigeko Murakishi, 99, passed from this life July 31, 2024, holding hands with loved ones. She was the wife of Harry Haruo Murakishi, who predeceased her.

Dorothy and Harry raised their family in East Lansing, Michigan, later retiring to Wilmette, Glenview and Northbrook, Illinois. She was the loving mother of Steve Murakishi (Sue Stein), Christine Murakishi Lee (partner Kevin Moore), and Linda Murakishi Whitted (John Alfini). She was the cherished grandmother of Michio Murakishi (Danielle), Sage Murakishi (Rita), Esei Murakishi (Kelly), Edward Tilbury, Kokoro Lee (partner Will Miller), Ross Whitted (partner Lauren Birnhak), and Layne Whitted (partner Harrison Waldon). She was the treasured great-grandmother of Ryder and Alphie.  

Dorothy was fulfilled by spiritual, artistic and cultural endeavors, Japanese paper doll making, playing the piano, sewing and most of all her family. Her life began with separation, racial discrimination, segregation and the WWII imprisonment of Japanese Americans in concentration camps, for her the Amache Relocation Camp, Colorado.  She sought to understand such experiences and to rise above them. Now she’s free -  everywhere, no where, and yet safe in our hearts.  

A private memorial service will be held.  In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple, 505 E. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013.

Arrangements were entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, IL