TRAVERSE CITY — Mary Elizabeth Thirlby, 66, lifelong resident of Traverse City, passed away Sunday, April 8, 2012, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.Mary was born on April 28, 1945, to the late James and Alice (Bird) Thirlby in Traverse City. She was raised in Traverse City and was a graduate of Traverse City High School. Mary loved to travel and enjoyed many wonderful trips with her family, visiting Jamaica, Las Vegas and Aruba, to name a few. Mary made her living as a bookkeeper, but her true passion was with animals. She had her best friends and companions in her two dogs and after retirement started a dog sitting business in her home for Very Important Pets. Mary could often be found cruising in her convertible or striking up conversation where ever she could. Mary was an excellent caregiver and loving daughter for her mother and helped tremendously where she could. In her later years, Mary was awarded a silver medal for her line dancing. She will be remembered by many for her compassionate and talkative nature. Mary is survived by her loving family; her brother, Edwin (Bev) Thirlby, of Traverse City; her two sisters, Susan (M.L.) Fruchey, of Vermontville and Florida, and Judy (Doug Peterson) Thirlby, of Ensign; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as many other loving family members and friends.Mary was preceded in death by her parents.A memorial gathering will be held May 16, 2012, at 1 p.m., at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. .Memorial contributions may be directed to the Cherryland Humane Society.Please share thoughts with the family at Mary's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.