Freda Wright-Sorce Remembered – In the Show’s Own Words
Author: Britt Schramm July 13th, 2005
I do not revel in this post but I thought that there might be some people out there who did not get to hear the first segment of Monday’s show (in Windows Media format) that contained the true emotional rememberances of Freda Wright-Source by show co-host Mike O’Meara, newsman Buzz Burbank, and producer Rob Spewak. Since I work until 5:30 PM, I didn’t get to hear it live. But after hearing the opening segement, I felt that posting this link would be more like a dedication to the memory of her spirit.
Brief Editorial – This will be the last post on this subject on this website as the coverage on the web about this subject seems to get more ghoulish by the day. It’s amazing that in this day and age of disposable celebrities that the passing of a talk radio deejay’s wife would have such an impact on the lives of the show’s listeners. I know that it has affected not only me but my wife as well. Maybe there’s some sort of message that can be gained from this tragedy (Cliches like “Cherish your loved ones like it’s your last day on Earth” or “Carpe Diem – live each day to the fullest” are examples that came to mind) but really, it’s just a time for self-reflection and to mourn this sad loss of a life taken far too soon.
One last thing: Like a previous person listed in the Comments of the initial news post, you can make a donation in the name of Freda Wright-Sorce to the Worcester County Humane Society in lieu of flowers. The address is below:
Worcester Humane Society
P.O. Box 48
Berlin MD 21811
All cards and letters may be sent to:
Sorce Family
10800 Main Street
Fairfax, VA 22030
July 13th, 2005 at 2:05 pm
I think your treatment of this topic is extremely tasteful and moving. I know my wife and I had the same reaction.
July 13th, 2005 at 10:56 pm
I was deeply saddened when I got into my car and put the dial to Don & Mike and heard that Freda had passed away. I immediately started to choke up and tears started flowing. I have listened to Don and Mike since their old days at WAVA in Arlington, Va. I lived right up the street off Lee Highway. I used to stop and watch some of the ouitside antics they used to do. I have listened to Freda’s call ins ince she started. I listened to Bart as a youngster call in and talk to his dad and his Uncle Mike. I truly know in my heart how these two people loved one another. And I know in my heart that Bart was their heart and soul. I grieve with them and all other friends and listeners. I pray for Don and Bart. God Bless them and keep them in your care. I know there is going to be a huge empty void in their life. Give them strength to carry one another though this.
July 15th, 2005 at 8:04 pm
Freda will always be in our hearts and soul. She was an amazing woman who I admired! I pray for all the family, friend, and listeners. Thank you Freda for all the funny memories on the show. God Bless!
July 16th, 2005 at 1:03 pm
My heartfelt sympathies go out to Don, his son and their extended families. Losing a spouse and mother is easily one of the most difficult hardships to endure in this life. I wish you comfort and peace.
Donna Baker
Portland, Maine
July 18th, 2005 at 10:41 am
I feel such a loss – even though I did not know Freda personally – it hurts to think of the pain that her husband and son are going through. I pray that they will find strength from family and friends to help them get through this very difficult time.
July 18th, 2005 at 8:43 pm
I listen to the show on and off on the way from school. I heard this and at first I wasnt sure of what was going on, but then it hit me, I hav heard her multiple times. My condolences go out, as do my prayers
July 21st, 2005 at 2:21 am
Unfortunately, I will be in Alaska on August 1st when Don is scheduled to return to the show. Would you please make his return available to listen to when I return? I can’t stand the thought of missing his comments.
July 21st, 2005 at 12:19 pm
I am truely sorry to hear about Freda, My Thoughts & prayers are with the family and friends .
July 25th, 2005 at 5:08 pm
Freda always brought that extra something to the show, I used to love it when she would call, to bust b’s with Don but she was always sensitive with Don by saying Sugar Bear. One of my favorite Freda moments is when she taped herself on the cruise ship and was trying to interview people all the while getting more and more drunk. Oh, those where only a mere, mere glimpse into a beautiful , funny and down right awesome woman. Freda if you can see this you were one classy lady, I will miss you always. To Don and Bart I pray everyday that you will somehow find some peace in this hard and tragic time in your lives, hold each other close and never let go!!! God Bless You Both!
July 25th, 2005 at 8:08 pm
Don, Bart,
there are no words to express the shock to hear that such a terrific woman no longer walks on this earth with us.
stay strong and together. Freda will watch over both of you.
my prayers are with you.
July 27th, 2005 at 5:30 pm
I am currently deployed to Kuwait and have been unable to listen to the show since April. I check the site every day for current Don and Mike info. I was saddened when I read about Freda. Sometimes people say those that pass are in a better place. But, I think Freda was happiest when in the company of family and giving Don and Mike a hard time. I look forward to my return in two months so I can listen to the show again. My prayers are with Don and Bart and Big Freda. Take care.
July 28th, 2005 at 7:11 pm
I haven’t heard Don and Mike since JackFM took over 94.9 – I live in the Toronto area, and was blown out of the water when I thought I’d check the site to see what I was missing and realized what had happened.
My deepest, heartfelt sympathies to you Don.
July 31st, 2005 at 12:41 pm
To Don and Bart:
My deepest condolences to you on the loss of your wife, mother and friend. Having an indirect working relationship with Don & Mike about five years ago through their affiliation with Westwood One, I knew just by listening to Don talk about, and to Freda that there was something truly special between them.
None of the rest of us can begin to imaging “how it feels” but we can offer our condolences and say that she truly is never completely gone as long as she lives in the great memories that you, Don & Bart have of her. God’s blessings to you both.
August 1st, 2005 at 5:31 pm
I know that I am not alone in saying how very sad I was to hear of Freda’s death. THe thought that struck me almost immediately is , How is this man going to breathe? It was very obvious from the show that she was his air and light. I always thought that they were two halves to a whole. I am envious of their relationship, and I know he know how fortunate he is to have been married to his soul mate. It is a rare thing, what they had together. God has already blessed him with the life that they had together. May God ease their pain soemhow.
August 1st, 2005 at 10:47 pm
I am so sad for Mike and Bart, and am in such shock by this. They were sole mates, and I don’t know how Mike can go on. I can not imagine losing my husband. All my thoughts are with them.
August 1st, 2005 at 11:22 pm
Don and Bart, My thoughts and prayers are with you both during this very saddened time. Hold on to each other and take care of one another. We will all be silently and lovingly supporting you and your family during this heart wrenching time. Freda was a great wife and mother. Her wisdom and flair for life lives in us all. God Bless
August 2nd, 2005 at 2:14 am
I listened to the pain that Mike Sorce exihibited in todays show, 8/1/05. Bless you and your son & family, every word said how much Freda was loved and needed by you. I will never forget this broadcast. Celeste-Sacramento
August 2nd, 2005 at 3:15 pm
GOD BLESS DON AND BART!
August 2nd, 2005 at 3:50 pm
I just called my husband and we were so sad to hear this news. What an amazing testament to a “life well lived” when a few moments on the radio can make you feel like you lost a friend and our grieving with her husband and son. You two always inspired me with the love you proudly shared with your listeners.
Bart Don and everyone – you are in our prayers.
August 2nd, 2005 at 10:59 pm
I too am deeply saddened by the passing on of Freda. I realize Don that you will never be able to actually read all of the e-mails that have been posted about her and your family. Just as an assurance, there is a better place for her, truly so. She was one of God’s angels here on earth, and he needed her iin heaven.
August 3rd, 2005 at 10:55 pm
I had the great pleasure of taking Freda to our Junior High School Prom. She was not only very beautiful, but compassionate and had a wonderful sense of humor. Freda enriched all of the lives she touched and I’m sure is missed by many.
August 4th, 2005 at 11:15 am
I don’t know nor have I heard about Freda until today as I stay in another country. What I can say is that she must have been very happy having a good husband and please do not be too sad but just remember the best times you have been together. God bless u.
August 8th, 2005 at 11:47 pm
I too had missed the beginning of Monday’s show. I didn’t understand what was going on. At first I thought that Freda’s mother had passed away. I couldn’t believe my ears when I called a friend at the radio station and he told me that Freda was killed in an automobile accident. I had won a free week at Ocean City in a very nice condo from WJFK. My daughter and I had left Ocean City on Saturday around 2p.m. the day just before Freda had left. I also felt like I knew Freda, as I have been listening to them for 18 years. I especially loved listening to Monday’s, because thats when Don would talk about his weekend with Freda and sometimes Bart (if he was home from school). Freda will be missed. The Sorce’s family are in my prayers.