Dorothy Barber Flagg, known as “Dot” and “Dottie” to friends and co-workers, died Friday, Jan. 12, at Country Meadows-Bethlehem, leaving this existence as gracefully as she lived her life. She was 101. Born May 7, 1922, to Harry L. and Margaret Hoff Barber, Dorothy was proud of her Easton roots, growing up South Sixth Street, a neighborhood she referred to as a League of Nations for its vibrant mix of ethnicities. She married Bradley Flagg and enjoyed 50 years with him. They had three children.
Dorothy worked for The Easton Express, later The Express-Times, as a reporter, copy editor and sports columnist. Her love of sports began at an early age, when her father carried her on his shoulders into her first Easton-Phillipsburg football game. As a teenager she got a taste of sports writing when Express Sports Editor Charles Reilly taught her to keep score at Lafayette College baseball games. She went on to become head cheerleader at Easton High, graduating in 1940. She experienced the great undefeated football season of 1939. Her decades-long record of attending Thanksgiving Day games was broken only by the birth of her second daughter.
Dorothy went on to Rider College, and during World War II began working for The Trenton Times, filling several positions, including sports editor. When her children reached school age, she took a reporting job at the Easton Express. She later found a home on the copy desk where she put her knowledge of language and AP style to good use, helping generations of reporters hone their skills.
She loved tennis, having learned from her husband Brad, the longtime coach at EHS. She twice shared in the woman’s doubles title at Northwood Racquet Club, where she made many friends over the years. She was a basketball referee, officiating many girls games throughout the Lehigh Valley. She loved musical theater and performed in many Chansonnette Theatre shows. Her highlight was a solo tap dance in “No, No Nanette,” performed on a broken ankle. (The show must go on!) Dorothy had an encyclopedic knowledge of Broadway musicals and would launch into a fitting song for any situation.
She was a rabid follower of the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles, often making soup for football get-togethers on Sundays. Above all, she enjoyed her family, spending vacations at LBI, swimming in the Delaware River, taking trips to England and NYC, ice skating at Mountain Lake.
She is survived by two daughters, Barbara and Susan (husband John Hill), both of Easton; a son, James, of Wilson Borough; and a grandson, Graham of Philadelphia. She was preceded in death by her husband and a stepson, Jerry.
The family would like to thank the staff of Country Meadows of Bethlehem for their professional and loving care.
In accordance with her wishes, services will be private. Those who would like to honor Dorothy may make a donation to the Center for Animal Health & Welfare in Williams Township, or a charity of their choosing.
To send online condolences or share memories of Dorothy, please visit www.AshtonFuneralHome.com
Dorothy lived a full and happy life, heeding a lyric in “Mame,” a favorite show:
“Light the candles
get the ice out
roll the rug up
it’s today!”
Francine Surran Potkin
January 14, 2024 at 11:39 am
My condolences to your family on the loss of your mother. I know she lead a very filled life. Again my deepest sympathies. Sincerely Francine
John Breidinger
January 15, 2024 at 9:16 am
Dear Jim and family,
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your mom. She was a wonderful writer and reporter. I started reading her columns in 1966 as an 11 year old. She was witty but still concise. I’m glad I got to experience her work and yours. Again, please accept my deepest sympathy.
THOMAS CASEY
January 15, 2024 at 9:24 am
Jim & Family,
I had the honor of knowing Dottie thru Chansonette Theatre ! Dottie was a very caring
and loving friend to all ! Dottie always had a beautiful smile to warmly greet everyone !
Dottie’s heart was bigger then life and I enjoyed talking to her !! She was truly a good friend
and I have missed not seeing her thru the years since I have left Chansonette !
May Dottie now be in the loving arms of her Lord & Savior !!
May Jim & his families memories of Dottie get them thru these most difficult times !
May you R.I.P. Dottie until we me again !
Angel Gulick
January 16, 2024 at 5:40 pm
I remember performing in many Chansonnette Theatre shows with my parents and with Dottie. She was always so much fun, so sweet and kind. I’m keeping her family and friends in my thoughts and prayers. May her memory be a blessing.
Judy Bennison
January 17, 2024 at 12:36 pm
Dot was a very special person.
Our paths first crossed in the 1950’s when I was 13. She was a steady influence on my and many peoples’ lives. A wonderful friend and role model, her wit and wisdom is memorable.
I will always treasure the time shared with her on the tennis court or just sitting and chatting.
She was a beautiful soul.
Much love to Jim, Barbara, Susan and families.
May your memories bring you comfort.
Cindy and Gordie Bennett
January 18, 2024 at 12:16 pm
Weebie, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I always admired her zest for life, she was a beautiful person. I especially the remember the great times we had following LJ’s basketball games. It was such fun. She was the fun mother. Gordie and I are thinking of you. Condolences to your family. Love Cindy
Galen Chad Godbey
January 21, 2024 at 12:01 pm
It was my good fortune to have Dotty Flagg in my life as mother-in-law and friend for 50 years. Dotty was such a positive person, exuding what the French would call joie de vivre, the ability to find pleasure and joy in everyday experience. She was open minded and openhearted and generally took people at face value. She didn’t try to force people into molds. and when people were struggling, she would often say ” He just needs to find his thing and then he’ll be fine”. She had the patience and wisdom to let people find themselves and be themselves — live and let live.
.
We shared a love for music, especially the Great American Songbook and movies and theater — she was a Broadway Baby for sure — and sports. Dotty and I especially loved two songs from the ’30s, “Indian Summer” and “September in the Rain”. Dotty introduced me to the former, and I was really taken with it. So, she sat down and wrote out all of the lyrics to all the verses longhand from memory. It’s one of my favorite keepsakes from my time with her.
Dotty was so easy going and welcoming a personality. and I must have said to her a hundred times, “Dotty, when I come to your house, I feel as though I’m taking a brief vacation”. Her kindness and other sterling qualities explained her husband, Brad’s frequent assessment that “Dorothy was the best thing that ever happened to me”. Dotty’s legacy of concern for others, professionalism at work, and appreciation of the simple pleasures and gifts of life are continued through the many contributions of Jim, Sue, and Barbara. I am sure that knowing their gifts and characters provided solace for her at the end, and that their loving devotion to her during her last months made it easier for her to leave us.
Dotty was not naive; she knew “the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” that Mr. Shakespeare spoke of. Through the hard times, though, she kept her sense of purpose and connection others. How often she said to me, “We’re so lucky!”
I feel “so lucky” to have known and loved Dotty Flagg. Her favorite Shakespeare play was “Hamlet”, and so I end this remembrance with a line from that immortal work:
“Flights of Angels Sing Thee to Thy Rest”, Dotty. I was lucky to know and love you.
Tracy Damiani
January 25, 2024 at 11:50 am
Dottie always had a smile on her face and words of encouragement for all. She was a class act. I met her in Anything Goes in 1975 so to quote Cole Porter, She’s the Top!
Lois Licsko
January 28, 2024 at 5:20 pm
Weebie, Such fond memories of times with you and your Mom. We shared some very special moments together with both of you when Tara and Chad were little ones. Your Mom was always upbeat and added a lot of energy to any type of gathering. I am sorry for the loss you are experiencing, but trust her memory will remain in your heart. May the God of peace comfort.. Love, Lois
Kathy Presto
February 3, 2024 at 11:20 am
Dottie was a gem. I met her when I joined Chansonette theatre right after college and my return to Easton. Her love of musical theatre and performing was infectious. And she mentored us young performers. I had the pleasure of performing with her for over 20 years and have fond memories of our time together on stage and off stage, especially when we took one show on the road to Wilkes barre Scranton after a big flood. Yes Dot I know you are an angel in heaven cheering and singing and watching over everyone. I will always remember our times fondly. Keep the music going – as Mame would say.