Nancy Rachel McCartney

McCartney, Nancy Rachel

January 3, 1932 - April 9, 2023

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 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.").

Left to remember her music are her children, Heather (Neil) Kelsey of Farmington, CT, Heidi McCartney of Colorado Springs, CO, and Rob (Sherry Hausman) McCartney of Papillion, NE; grandchildren, Taylor (Adam) Depue, Grayson and Hope McCartney, Brendan, Steve and Tim Kelsey; and great-grandson, Sterling Depue. Nancy is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Susannah Sterling and Betty (Ed) Larsen; nieces, Karen, Amy Debby; 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.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE will be held at a later date.

Kahler-Dolce Mortuary

441 N. Washington St., Papillion, NE

402-339-3232 | www.kahlerdolcemortuary.com