Nancy Rachel McCartney

Nancy Rachel (Sterling) McCartney found peace on Easter, April 9, 2023. The “pride and joy” of William and Marie (Betts) Sterling, Nancy was born in Dover, Delaware in January 1932. She discovered a love of music early, becoming proficient on the piano and organ and performing on the radio when she was ten. Graduating from the University of Delaware in 1953, she worked for Coty Cosmetics until her marriage to Air Force pilot Robert McCartney in 1957. From that point on she filled the role of “itinerant” organist/pianist, playing for church congregations, weddings, recitals, and school groups wherever the service sent them. Along the way Nancy and Bob raised 3 children, 3 Irish Setters and a cat. She undoubtedly realized from the start that life with Bob would occasionally bring her out of her comfort zone. After packing for a Bahamian honeymoon (following their late December wedding), she found herself in Quebec.

Deciding to stick it out, Nancy provided consistency as Bob was sent on assignments in times of peace and war. Memories of annual trips to Dover and Rehoboth Beach will long stay with us. She could often be found sitting in an auditorium or in the car knitting (sweaters for people and penguins) or doing needlework during rehearsals for a play or concert. A large portion of the family’s wardrobe could be attributed to her sewing skills (think matching Easter outfits.) It was an enjoyable, albeit challenging, task to follow her particular brand of logic. Stories took many turns before reaching their conclusion – as did directions when you were trying to get somewhere (“you could’ve turned there…”, “go until the road ends…well, it ended for me”.)

Time with friends was spent visiting garage sales and auctions, golfing, bowling, and enjoying the arts. It was not an easy thing for people to get to know Nancy but once they became friends they remained so. As her memories began to elude her she continued to ask about old friends from her childhood and military days as well as the new friends she made in her final weeks.

Left to remember her music are her children: Heather and her husband Neil Kelsey of Farmington CT, Heidi McCartney of Colorado Springs CO, and Rob and his wife Sherry (Hausman) McCartney of Papillion NE; grandchildren: Taylor (McCartney) and her husband Adam Depue, Grayson, and Hope McCartney, Brendan, Steve, and Tim Kelsey; and great-grandson Sterling Depue. Nancy is also survived by her sister-in-law Susannah Sterling, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Betty and Ed Larsen and nieces Karen, Amy, Debby and nephew Ted and their families. She was predeceased by her brother Bill and the love of her life, husband Bob.

We often thought – surely erroneously – that Nancy cherished the family dogs more than the family humans. If you wish to contribute to an organization in her memory we would encourage you to contact a pet or wildlife rescue group of your choice. Scout, Riley, Arwen, Baggins, Walter, Sweets, and Hazel thank you in advance.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.KahlerDolceMortuary.com for the McCartney family.