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Unveiling Miss Liberty's Legacy: Dresses, Signs, and Memorabilia
This is the legacy of Sondra Fortunato, the legendary beauty queen of Toms River and self-described "Miss Liberty," who was a fixture at parades, festivals, and athletic events all across the area for many years.
After a protracted fight with cancer, she
passed away on January 11 at the age of 75. Her spouse is currently sorting through the pile of belongings from a life fully lived.
John Ogden told the Asbury Park Press,, “She was a hoarder, and every one of these events that she did meant a lot to her,” “She lived a very public life.”
Widower wants to give away dresses, signs she left behind
Funeral services for Fortunato are not scheduled, but Ogden expressed his desire to see a parade through Toms River on April 19, which is Liberty Day and marks the beginning of the American Revolution, in her honor.
In the meantime, Ogden wants to distribute as many dresses and signs as possible. He has about a dozen dresses and many signs which are all over the house. He doesn't want to just throw them away. He wants everyone to have a Sondra sign to remember her.
A few of Sondra Fortunato's sashes are also at her residence in Toms River. The well-known beauty queen was known by several names, one of which was Miss Liberty.
Anyone interested in taking Miss Liberty gowns or signs, or helping organize a memorial parade in her honor should email John Ogden at
jopaog@yahoo.com.
