Joyce F. Gurney

East Providence - Joyce Finnegan Gurney, air traffic controller, writer, and lover of the Southwest, passed away peacefully, at the Steere House on Monday, February 23rd 2015. She was surrounded by her family. Joyce was born in Jennings, Oklahoma to Ira and Augusta (Harding) Finnegan on March 11th, 1918. Her unforgettable journey started when her father, Ira did not want to live the life of farmer, so, he, Augusta and six week old Joyce boarded a train, and moved to Chicago. Three years later, the family welcomed her sister Gladys into the world. Joyce contracted polio at age 4; she lost most of the muscles of her lower leg and three shoe sizes. Despite, the bullying that occurred from her leg, she excelled in school. She wrote poetry, and devoured reading. Several key teachers, notably her fifth grade teacher and senior Latin Teacher, helped her overcome her tremendous shyness. She was encouraged to apply to the University of Chicago with a NYA (National Youth Administration scholarship created by FDR)....