Andrea McCartney Obituary

Andrea (Black) McCartney, 68, a year-round resident of Plum Island, MA, passed away on January 13, 2025, in Exeter, NH, after a battle with cancer. 

“Andy,” as she was best known, was the daughter of J. Duncan Black and Elizabeth Black. She was named after her paternal great grandfather, Andrew Duncanson, and her maternal aunt, Jane Lewis Gilmore. 

During the final stage of her illness, Andy was lovingly cared for by her daughter, Alison Tames, and son-in-law, Matt Tames. Her extended family is grateful that she died peacefully at home with loved ones nearby. 

Growing up in Andover, Andy attended St. Augustine’s School and graduated from Andover High School. After moving to South Carolina, she earned her degree in nursing at Greenville Technical College, where she later taught nursing courses. She worked as an R.N. at St. Francis Hospital in the cardiac and intensive care units. 

Andy will be remembered by many for her creativity and generosity. She delighted in crafting handmade gifts for others. She was a gifted textile artist who designed original patterns for numerous afghans, table runners, sweaters, baby clothes, stuffed animals and more. As a nurse and even as a patient herself, she shared her love of knitting and crochet by teaching others and leading classes at the hospital.

Folks who knew Andy would describe her as a “salt of the earth” person. She loved her life on Plum Island in the cottage she dubbed “Old Salty.” Andy enjoyed gardening, beach walks and kayaking with her grand-dog. She was also an avid beachcomber and surfcaster. She built a little free library for the island and was always ready to teach interested kids how to fish or where to find the best shells.

Andy was predeceased by her father, J. Duncan Black. She is survived by her mother, Elizabeth L. Black, of Exeter, NH; her daughter and son-in-law, Alison and Matthew Tames, also of Exeter, NH; her siblings and their spouses, including Elizabeth T. Black and Keith Gillette, of Boston, MA; J. Duncan Black, Jr., and Debra Black, of Kennebunkport, ME, and Punta Gorda, FL; Thomas and Diane Black, of Methuen, MA; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Church, 196 Main Street, in North Andover, MA on Tuesday, January 21, at 10 AM. In lieu of a wake, the family will be hosting a celebration of life for Andy this summer at Plum Island