Mary E. (Joyce) Hurley, 90, of Worcester, died Thursday, February 17, 2011 at the UMass Memorial Medical Center after a brief illness.

    Her husband of 59 years, John F. Hurley, died in 2003. She leaves a son, John F. Hurley Jr. and his wife Joy Danilowicz-Hurley of Paxton; her beloved grandchildren, Andrea Hurley of Paxton and Dan Hurley of Providence; and many other relatives and close friends, including her cousins Maureen Alcott of Scituate, Patricia Donadio of Milton, Paul Frazer of Dedham and Edward Frazer of London. Her sister, Margaret McKinnon, predeceased her.

    She was born and grew up in North Weymouth, daughter of Patrick and Margaret (Thornton) Joyce. She met her husband while visiting relatives in Dorchester. After a two year courtship, they were married in 1944 in Colorado, where he was stationed in the Army. After World War II, she moved to her husband's neighborhood in Dorchester where they lived for more than 40 years before moving to Worcester in 1986.

    Mary graduated from Weymouth High School and attended the Bryant & Stratton Business School. She worked many years ago as a secretary for financial and insurance companies.

    She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church, where she was active in its spiritual renewal group. She was a former member of St. Peter's Church in Dorchester.

    Mary formed and maintained countless friendships throughout her life. She was especially close for most of her life to Lucille Geever of Hanson and the late Marguerite Reddy. She kept in touch with hundreds of friends by telephone, letters and cards. Once on her radar screen, there was no escaping her attention. Mary continued to correspond with couples she and John met during World War II all throughout her life. During her years on Percival St. in Dorchester, she witnessed vast changes to that venerable section of Boston, and welcomed and embraced her new neighbors of every age. She and John befriended many young students who moved into their neighborhood in the 70's and 80's and maintained ties with many of them for the rest of their lives.

    Mary enjoyed spending time with her family and friends above all else. She also enjoyed knitting, following politics, spending time on Cape Cod, and watching Boston sports teams.

    Calling hours are Monday, February 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be held Tuesday, February 22 from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Church, 555 Pleasant St., Worcester. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Why Me, Inc., 1152 Pleasant St., Worcester, MA 01602.