Andrea Lee McCarthy

August 1, 1944 - July 12, 2021

Andrea Lee McCarthy, 76, of Murrells Inlet, SC, formerly of Clinton, CT, passed away July 12, 2021 in Charleston, SC; surrounded by her loving family. Andrea was the wife of James D. McCarthy and they enjoyed 54 years of marriage. Born in Hartford, CT, she was the daughter of the late Gus and Frances (Savitskas) Xantho. Andrea and her husband James first met in grade school in East Hartford, CT, where they attended St. Mary’s School. Both later lived in South Windsor, CT and attended Ellsworth High School, where Andrea was the last official graduate of the school when it permanently closed in 1962, as her last name began with “X”. Andrea and Jim married in 1966 and settled first in Wallingford and Meriden, CT and then raised their daughters in Clinton, CT. Andrea was a member of St. Mary’s Church of the Visitation, where she served as Co-President of the Alter Society. She was also a volunteer for Shoreline Youth Theatre and Birthright. Andrea was employed for CT Bank and Trust and later for several restaurants, making their baked goods and desserts from scratch, before retiring to the sun and palm trees of Murrells Intlet, SC in 2004. During her retirement, Andrea and Jim were volunteers for Freedom Readers, where they would provide youth with weekly reading support and guidance. In 2018, Andrea and Jim were named “Freedom Readers Volunteers of the Year”. Andrea served on the Board of Directors of Coastal Youth Ballet in Murrells Inlet, SC. Both Andrea and Jim appeared in CYB’s annual holiday ballet, “The Nutcracker”, as the Grandparents in the party scene. Andrea was known for her love of entertaining, cooking, and baking; always from scratch. She loved to host block parties at their SC residence and was always gifting a neighbor with one of her latest “goodies”. In addition to her husband James, Andrea is survived by her two daughters, Catherine Benzi of Westbrook, CT and Elizabeth (Timothy) Holland of Winston, GA; seven grandchildren, Emily Benzi of East Lyme, CT; Christopher and Caroline Benzi of Westbrook, CT; and Abigail, Victoria, Aaron, and Matthew Holland of Winston, GA; sister Linda (Herman) Sparks of Douglasville, GA; and brother Gary (Linda) Xantho of GA; brother-in-law Dennis (Kathy) McCarthy of Myrtle Beach, SC; nieces Kristin Sparks of NY; Amanda Sparks of DE; and nephew Andrew Sparks of GA. Andrea cherished her family and will be dearly missed. There will be a private celebration of life held in the fall, as this was Andrea’s favorite season. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: Freedom Readers; Administration Office, 1012 16th Ave. NW #114, Surfside Beach, SC 29575 or at freedomreaders.networkforgood.com. Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel is serving the family.