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).

She graduated in 1940 with a degree in Art History and worked in that department for three years post graduate.

She was accepted by the Civil Aeronautics ADM. (CAA) to train as an Air Control Tower Operator.

She worked in Kentucky, Michigan and settled in El Paso landing planes until the war ended and the men returned home to their previous occupations.

After working as a secretary in El Paso, she was appointed as the group secretary in the Manhattan Project in Los Alamos, NM.

It was in Los Alamos where she would meet Arthur Gurney, formerly of the Army Corp of Engineers, who was stationed there.

They married Dec 4, 1950.

In 1951, Joyce and Arthur moved to New Jersey so Arthur could return to his pre-war work.

Joyce was pre-deceased by her parents Ira and Augusta Finnegan, her sister Gladys and her brother-in-law, James Perrings, She is survived by her daughter, Dr.

Ellen Gurney; her son, William Gurney; son-in-law, John Mertus; her grandchildren, Elena Mertus and Jonathan Mertus.

She is also survived by her niece Patricia Perrings, nephew, James (Joyce) Perrings and their son Ryan.

Her secret to living almost a century?

In her words, "You have to go along to get along." And her secret to a happy life? "Seize the main chance." VISITATION will begin on Monday at 4 p.m. followed by Services at 6 p.m. at the WILLIAM W.

TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Ave., Pawtucket.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the RI Community Food Bank, 200 Niantic Ave., Providence, RI 02907 will be appreciated.