Michiko Moore, 86, passed away peacefully at home in Raleigh, NC on February 26, 2026 surrounded by love. She was born in Kobe, Japan on November 12, 1939 during World War 2. Born as Mitsue, the youngest daughter of 10 children, she knew hunger and hardship but persevered to lead a happy life.

In 1966, she married Robert "Bob" Moore who was in the US Navy. She came to the United States as Michiko but to those who knew her, she was Michi.

She was funny, strong, spicy, honest, and unapologetically herself. She loved her family above all else. Her hands were a magical extension of her creativity and talent as she excelled at quilting, painting, crocheting, knitting, sewing, gardening, decorating cakes, or anything she did with them. She was also an amazing cook. Michi loved road trips and traveling; she especially loved Yellowstone National Park. She was able to create a lifetime of memories traveling with her family to Alaska, Hawaii, the Grand Canyon, Vegas, the Pacific Northwest, Canada, cruising around the Caribbean or on over a dozen road trips. She also loved to gamble, always playing to win.

Michi had unwavering faith in her Buddhist practice, having been a member of the Soka Gakkai for over 60 years.

As a pioneer of the Buddhist movement in America, she helped to lay the foundation early on for future generations.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob in 2006, and granddaughter, Lilly in 2025. Her memory and legacy will live on in her daughters, granddaughters, grandson, great-grandchildren and friends. If you remember nothing else, remember her smile, laughter, and joy.