Remembering Mary Leavitt

Saying Goodbye to a Founding Member of NIFDA

Mary Leavitt, affectionately known as “The Flag Lady” passed peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her loving family on December 4, 2023, at the age of 87. Mary is survived by her three children, Lori Watson, Andy Leavitt, and Charlie Leavitt, her seven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

Driven by her love of America, Mary first began selling the U.S. flag out of the trunk of her car in 1979 and was dubbed “The Flag Lady” by the Chicago Sun Times. In 1980, she began her business, The Flag Lady’s Flag Store, in Columbus, Ohio. Always passionate about the flag, democracy, and country, Mary led the pledge of allegiance for two presidential candidates at their nominating conventions.

Mary was actively involved in her local community, loved The Ohio State Buckeyes, ran for Columbus City Council, and was a long-time member of the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), as well as a Daughter of the American Revolution (DAR).

Over the course of her lifetime, Mary made a substantial impact on the flag industry. She was a founding member of the National Independent Flag Dealers Association (NIFDA) and received the flag industry’s highest recognition, the Betsy Ross Award for Service in 2002. Mary also earned NIFDA’s George Washington Award for Excellence in 2007, in appreciation for her countless contributions to supporting the flag industry and inspiring patriotism.

To view the official announcement, watch local tributes, and share your memories of Mary, visit The Flag Lady’s Facebook page.