TRAVERSE CITY — Maryellen Kirchner Black, 59, of Traverse City, passed away Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, at Munson Hospice House, after a year long battle with cancer.She was born April 14, 1952, in Southfield, to parents Frank and Mildred (Luther) Kirchner. She spent her early years at the family home in Southfield. She graduated from Rosary High School in Detroit in 1970 before starting her career at Michigan Bell and eventually retiring at AT&T.Maryellen entered into marriage with Douglas Black on June 25, 1982, in Rochester. She loved life and people, and could always be found with a smile on her face planning her next trip or luncheon with friends. Her main interest was world travel, but she always had time for fishing with her husband or socializing with her many friends. Her winters were spent in Punta Gorda, Fla., where more friends could be found and books waited to be enjoyed. Shopping at the art fairs and flea markets was never-ending.Since moving to Traverse City in 1998, her time had been spent gardening; volunteering for the Women's Resource Center; volunteering with the TC Film Festival; doing her stained glass and beading with the LYLAS. Maryellen had a zest for life and believed in living every moment.She was preceded in death by her mother, Mildred, in 1961; her stepmother, Jane, in 1967; her father, Frank, in 1979; and her sister, Karen, in 2011.She will be forever remembered by her husband, Doug; son, Jeff (Michelle), of Oxford; son, Kevin (Jessica), of Rochester; brother, Richard Kirchner, of Frankenmuth; sister, Carol Szydlowski, of Warren; brother, Tom (Marion) Warren, of Bradenton, Fla.; as well as her grandchildren, Samantha, Danielle, Matthew, Addison and Emily; along with her special nieces and nephews; and many good friends in both Michigan and Florida.Visitation will be held from 4 until 8 p.m. this evening, Oct. 10, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with a Scripture Service at 7 p.m. led by Maryellen's longtime friend, Sister Chris Herald from St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Mackinaw City.The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, at St. Francis Catholic Church, with Rev. John Greene celebrating the Mass. Burial will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Munson Hospice.Please share your memories and thoughts with Maryellen's family by way of her online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home is serving the family.