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!”
