Andrea "Andi" Leigh Eglinton

Andrea “Andi” Leigh Eglinton, née Arnold, 76, of Asheville, NC, passed away on August 24, 2026.

Known as Andi to close friends and family, and lovingly as “Marmie” to her grandchildren, she lived a life marked by creativity, graciousness, service, and an extraordinary appreciation for beauty.

Andi was born on May 24, 1950, in Valparaiso, IN. A proud University of New Mexico alumna, she earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Art Studio and Art History and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. While at UNM, she also once reigned as Derby Day Queen—a title that captured a bit of the fun and flair she carried throughout her life.

Andi married her college sweetheart, Daniel T. Eglinton, MD. Together, Andi and Dan fell in love with the Blue Ridge Mountains and moved their young family to Asheville, where they built a life and home for their family and Dan practiced Orthopedic Medicine.

Guided by her deep artistic background and sharp eye, Andi worked as a buyer for Left Bank, the acclaimed art department at Arnold’s of Dallas, a pioneering family-owned retail business. Her creativity followed her throughout her life. She possessed a natural collector’s instinct and a rare gift for discovering hidden treasures, antiques, and oddities, transforming them into beautiful and welcoming spaces.

A gracious hostess with a meticulous attention to detail and a heart to serve, Andi was deeply involved in her Asheville community. She lent her time and leadership to Caring for Children and the Biltmore Forest Design Review and volunteered with Meals on Wheels and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She was also a member of the Junior League of Asheville.

An avid reader and dedicated cinephile, Andi was a lively fixture in her local book club and film group. She loved art, antiques, holiday decorating, and all things blue and white. She also had a particular fondness for French dip sandwiches, French fries, and fleurs-de-lis.

Above all, Andi found great joy in being “Marmie.” Time at Marmie’s meant “popsies” in the pool, a generous spread of delicious food, a roaring fire, beautifully decorated holidays, and a home where family gathered.

Andi is survived by her son, Jonathan Jeffrey Eglinton (Mindy), and her daughters, Ashleigh Jeanne Stoia (Luke) and Lisa-Caroline Harkins (Peter), as well as her ten grandchildren. She was a dear sister, aunt, and friend to many.

A private memorial will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Andi’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.