Honoring the legacy of ‘Mz. Rose’: A Milwaukee treasure
Photo by Yvonne Kemp
On Saturday, July 19, 2025, family, friends, dignitaries, and community members gathered at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church to honor the remarkable life and legacy of Ms. Rose Marie Lue-Hing — affectionately known as “Mz. Rose”. The atmosphere was filled with reverence, remembrance, and radiant joy — exactly the way she wanted it.
A traditional Catholic Mass was held in her honor, followed by a jubilant Celebration of Life Repast, where laughter echoed, tears were shared, and stories of her powerful presence came alive. Elected officials, community leaders, loved ones and friends from the Jamaican and Hispanic communities came together to celebrate a woman who was nothing short of a living legend.
Mz. Rose was more than a community icon — she was community. Born in Milwaukee on August 30, 1938, her life was steeped in purpose, faith, and passion. She broke barriers at WE Energies as the first black female contract analyst in her department. She stood tall as a union steward for IBEW Local 2150, fighting for equity long before it was fashionable. And after retirement, she showed the world that learning never stops — earning degrees from MATC and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
She was a storyteller, actress, singer, dancer, and activist. A proud alum of St. Benedict the Moor Boarding School, she stayed connected with fellow alumni, keeping the legacy alive with annual reunions and monthly church gatherings. She was a founding force behind Harambee Community School and a tireless advocate for social justice in Milwaukee’s black and underserved communities.
