[In Memoriam] Yvonne Spurney, 73

Yvonne Spurney passed away on May 10, 2024, at Duke Medical Center. She was 73. She was born in Summit County, Ohio, the daughter of the late Harold Zakrajsek and the late Cecilia Nestor Zakrajsek, and the sister of the late Harold J. Zakrajsek Jr.

Spurney graduated from Ohio State University with a Master of Science in Nursing. She was employed for almost 40 years at Duke and rose to become the associate chief nursing officer before retiring in 2023. She is celebrated by those who worked with her as a fierce advocate and enduring mentor for the nursing staff and patients. Spurney was also an avid reader with a house full of books, and she enjoyed traveling and spending time with her loved ones.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Frank Spurney; son, Robert Grant Spurney; daughter, Laura Anne Spurney; and numerous relatives in the Cleveland area. She is warmly remembered by her family for her unwavering love, steady strength, and quick wit.

A memorial service will be held at Duke University Chapel on May 20 at 1 p.m. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Gathering Room at Clements Funeral Home in Durham.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Duke Friends of Nursing at https://dukefriendsofnursing.org. Donations can also be sent to Duke Friends of Nursing, DUMC Box 3543, Durham, NC 27710.