Barbara Lee Flieger

Today, we say goodbye to Barbara Flieger, a longtime resident of Englewood, CO, who passed away peacefully at the age of 94 in Centennial, CO. Barbara’s life was a shining example of resilience, grace, and a zest for living that inspired everyone around her.

She is survived by her children Lynn Countryman (Stanley), Gary Flieger (Jonathan), Susan Creswell (Greg, deceased), and granddaughter Julia Theisen, in addition to nieces Vickie Settle, Janet Collins, Marianne Hayes, Judi Swift, and Julie Flieger. She is preceded in death by parents Hoyte and Helen Fuller; her loving husband and soulmate Gordon Flieger; sister Joyce Dufur Collinsworth; niece Melanie Dufur; nephews Bruce Dufur and Jeffrey Flieger. She is also preceded in death by her extended family with travel companion and partner Sherman Lubotsky, and companion Marvin Smith, a fellow ballroom dancer/football and baseball enthusiast. Barbara is survived by Sandie Lubotsky and her daughters Caitlin and Lexi.

Barbara was born in Wisconsin, briefly lived in Pennsylvania, and then in Colorado when her parents moved back to their home state. The family bought a home in Denver (Washington Park) in 1936. Thus began Barbara’s lifetime love affair with the Mountains and Colorado; the Mountains became her compass. The family moved to Durango years later where the magnificent San Juan Range became her favorite views. She would continue living in Durango to graduate from Durango High School, having negotiated to live with the Farrows (family friends) when the parents moved to South Dakota. From there, she and best friend headed to Denver to pursue a nursing career at Denver University Children’s Hospital. Barbara’s compassion, caregiving, and endurance traits shone brightly during a severe outbreak of polio among children during her residence. Barbara finished the 39-month program in December 1951.

During her residency at DU, she met Gordon Flieger, whilst each was doing chores at their parents’ new homes in Bonnie Brae (Denver). Barbara became to realize that she and Gordie was not only cute, very smart, and athletic, he also loved to dance, enjoyed the performing art, shared her sense of humor; she met her soulmate. In December 1951, tremendous change happened quickly: she graduated, passed her licensing exams, accepted a marriage proposal, planned a wedding, got married, packed her belongings, and moved to Loveland, CO with Gordie. Barbara went to work as a nurse while Gordie taught physics and coached wrestling, football, and baseball at Loveland High for the next three years.

Their first child was born soon before Gordon secured a teaching and coaching position and Englewood High. They moved to Englewood where they bought their first home. Barbara had two more children and realized they’d outgrown that small home. Her last and final move was in 1965 to her dreamhouse on Elati Street. It was a beautiful home with wonderful and welcoming neighbors. Barbara lived in the home for 57 years and where she enjoyed a rich life of lasting and meaningful friendships, personal and professional, while raising a young family. Wanting to be an active part of her community, Barbara landed at job as School Nurse in the Englewood Schools where her caregiving skills, love of children and interpersonal skills made her a highly effective teammate and earned the trust, respect, and friendship of faculty, students, and parents. It was meaningful and rewarding work she enjoyed for 27 years.

Barbara’s love of animals was a constant thread throughout her life. She never met a dog she didn’t adore and took joy in caring for the pets who enriched her days. She was also an avid reader, knitter, accomplished seamstress, exceptional baker, a longtime theater subscriber, a devoted Bronco’s, Rockies’, and Buffalo’s fan. Her energy seemed boundless, was constantly in motion, unfazed by mowing her expansive lawn, shoveling snow, and raking autumn leaves. And done with a smile, a wave to neighbors and often with a funny remark.

She will be remembered for having many qualities. More than anything else, Barbara kept a sparkling personality that brought light and laughter to every room she entered. Barbara’s life was emblematic of her era in American history—an adventurer, a nurturer, and a beacon of kindness and resilience. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.