Michelle Lynn Aryal

Michelle Lynn (Townsend) Aryal, 51, of Decatur, IL, passed away Saturday September 28, 2024 at the Loft at Rock Springs of Decatur rehabilitation center. She was born in Danville, IL on September 14, 1973 to Charles and Laura (Gruel) Townsend.

Michelle loved all animals and worked as a veterinary assistant at Northgate Veterinary Clinic in Seattle, WA for the majority of her career. While in high school she worked for a pet store and also did volunteer work at the Woodland Park Zoo of Seattle, WA. Caring for animals was her true passion.

She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Decatur, IL and cared greatly for her congregation. She also enjoyed crafting, sketching, writing poetry, and above all else, spending time with her two faithful cat companions.

Michelle is survived by her brother, Scott (Ginger) Townsend (Ellendale, ND); her nieces and nephew: Cassandra (Trevor) Taylor (Ellendale, ND), Abigail (Elijah) Guerrero (Ellendale, ND), Melinda (Joshua) Stoughton (Ellendale, ND), Ethan Townsend (Ellendale, ND); her uncles: Jonathan Gruel (Decatur, IL), Gary (Patti) Townsend (Shelbyville, IL); her aunt Glenda (Rick) Reichert (Shelbyville, IL); her cousins: Jennifer Reichert (Shelbyville, IL), Alan (Heather) Townsend (Shelbyville, IL), and her stepmother, Janet Townsend (Bloomington, IL).

She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Cindy Townsend.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a celebration of life will be held from 11:30 am until 1:15 pm Saturday November 9, at Trinity Lutheran Church 1960 Johns Ave Decatur, IL 62521. Interment will take place at Harristown Cemetery in Decatur Memorial at 1:30 with a luncheon to follow. Contributions in Michelle’s honor may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church of Decatur. East Lawn Funeral Home 1102 Airport Rd Bloomington, IL 61704 has been entrusted with arrangements for Ms. Michelle Aryal. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.eastlawnmemorial.com