Unafaye “Faye” Flaharty, of Red Lion, passed away peacefully at 101 years old, on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Yorkview Nursing & Rehab.

Born April 24, 1925, in Independence, Virginia, Faye was the oldest child of her late parents, William Ray and Lola Reed (Hodge) Hirt. She enjoyed a 66-year marriage with her late husband, Harold “Pappy” Flaharty. Together, they shared a love for their family: a daughter and son-in-law Darlene and Ron Kauffman of York, and a son and daughter-in-law Gene (predeceased) and Kay Flaharty of New Park.

To also honor her memory, she is survived by six grandchildren: Tammy Kauffman, Kelly (Joseph) Adams, Jody (Lee) Kern, Wesley (Brenna) Flaharty, Chuck Flaharty, Lisa Flaharty, and 11 cherished great-grandchildren. Faye was predeceased by her husband, son, and her siblings: Lewis (Alberta) Hirt, Lucille (Carroll) Burkholder, and Norman Hirt.

Her education expanded beyond the one-room schoolhouse she attended as a young girl. Being the oldest of four children brought the responsibility of caring for her siblings. Sometimes, after-school chores meant walking to the quilt factory where her mother worked, sweeping floors, and learning tips for a future hobby. She went on to work in retail at Collinsville Discount and Mailman’s stores.

After retirement, Faye focused on hobbies like flower gardening, spending hours nurturing her plants with nearly as much Miracle-Gro as water. Another passion was cooking - often using her black iron skillet and plenty of salt. Nothing made Faye happier than a tableful of food with the whole family sitting around it. Holidays and birthdays were celebrated with everyone’s favorite foods on her special china. But if you were late to dinner, expect to be greeted by her with hands on her hips, wagging her finger to remind you. And if she called you by your middle name, it didn’t matter what was on the table…you were toast!

Faye had a great appreciation for music. She liked tapping her toes to her favorite Jimmy Martin, whom she once met in person. She was thrilled to visit Dollywood with her daughter and son-in-law, happily marking off a wish on her bucket-list. Bluegrass music connected her with family roots, particularly Loretta Lynn’s songs because of their similar beginnings as coal miners’ daughters.

Seeing the brilliantly colorful Badlands of the West while on vacation with her daughter’s family was a highlight in her life. Another source of joy was telling old family stories, giggling until she could barely talk. Last year, she entertained us for hours at her 100th birthday party, as if the stories themselves gave her energy. After blowing out birthday candles, she professed, “In all the years I lived, I never dreamed that I’d live to be 100. But I’m very happy that I have. I’ve enjoyed my family so much!”

Later in life, Faye returned to her interest in sewing quilts. She would carefully select various squares of fabric to create a “crazy” quilt for a loved one. She was much like the patchwork quilts she loved to create. Her life and experiences were varied, but when pieced together, they created a beautiful result.

A family graveside service will be held at 1:30 pm, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery, 1674 Furnace Road, Brogue. Memorial contributions in Faye’s name can be made to Guinston Presbyterian Church, 14130 Guinston Forge Road, Airville, PA 17302. Arrangements are entrusted to Wagner-Elfner and Burg Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. Condolences may be shared at www.wagner-elfner-burg.com.