Make Way for Uncle Mort... Most folks in the thicket were surprised to learn that an “uppity lady from up north” had become owner of the crossroads general store on New Year’s Day. Finding her name--Sadie Ladarovich--tough to pronounce, my Uncle Mort slapped a nickname on her that’ll likely stick. “Sadie the Lady” from the outset, she announced several changes for the store. Patrons applauded her daily breakfast specials.