Sylvia “Cadesky” Stoun Mureddu, 96, died, May 25, 2017, at home surrounded by her family. She was the devoted wife of the late Michael L. Mureddu of Newport and the late Meyer J. Stoun. Sylvia was born in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada on July 27, 1920. She was the daughter of the late Samuel and Tillye Cadesky. Her family immigrated to Canada from Russia in the late 1800s.
Sylvia leaves eight children, Michael Mureddu, Patricia Griffy and her husband Bobby, Charles Mureddu and his wife Dawn, John Mureddu and his wife Renee, Bryan Mureddu, Robert Mureddu and his wife Carol, Christopher, Mary Jones who was also Sylvia’s caretaker for the last four years and her partner Roy Dutra, her loving sister-in-law Catherine Mureddu, brother-in-law Louis Mureddu and his wife Barbara Mureddu and their children Peter and Katie. She also leaves twenty-three grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Sylvia was blessed to have met and fall in love with two wonderful husbands whom she affectionately called “Her two Mikes”. Sylvia took care of her first husband during a long illness until he passed in the early 60’s. She came to Newport in 1970 where she met and married her second husband, Mike Mureddu. Together they created a beautiful life together that although very private, they invited many to share in their story through live entertainment and radio. They were hard at work raising children and contributing to many local civic and private charities. From the beginning, Mike and Sylvia became true partners in life.
Sylvia’s career spanned 70 years of entertaining as a piano player, singer, and comedian, and humorist under her stage name “Miss Saucy Sylvia”. At age 6, she began playing the piano, which she learned from the nuns at Sisters of St. Joseph Academy. Sylvia eventually went on to college and graduated from the University of Toronto with a teaching degree and a master in languages. While in school, she worked at a small local radio station CFRB. With a different turn or twist, Saucy might be a retired German professor. Instead, she chose music and moved to Cincinnati where she was hired as a staff vocalist at WLW. also known as the “Nations Clear Channel” because it could be heard from coast to coast. Other staff vocalists at the time were Rosemary and Betty Clooney, and Doris Day. The Sylvia Show would be heard every week with guests stopping by including Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. She also worked at W.J.R. in Detroit and WINS in New York. After moving to Newport, Sylvia continued to tour the nation until she decided her true love was performing for the millions of Newport’s visitors and especially for her friends and fans locally for over 27 years. Sylvia also hosted a live music show that was produced and directed by her husband Mike on local radio station W.A.D.K. for 25 years. The Saucy Sylvia show showcased talented musicians from all over the world but more importantly provided an historical timeline that stressed the importance of music and its influence throughout the 20th Century or as many would describe as ”America’s Century”.
Sylvia was the president of local 529 of the American Federation of Musicians and also held memberships in the Providence and Detroit locals. She brought live music to the local schools and started a summer concert series at Easton’s Beach and the city’s parks, which remain popular today. She was a champion for local musicians finding local and regional work and opportunities to play with many national and international artists at the Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals. She also worked in finding local musicians roles in several major movies including True Lies, Mr. North, and Amistad.
Sylvia was inducted to the Newport Jazz Hall of Fame with George Wien and Ella Fitzgerald in 2002 and The Rhode Island Radio Hall of Fame in 2014. She has won many awards and proclamations over her lifetime. Although Sylvia is a naturalized citizen, patriotic songs always were part of her shows. She said she enjoyed having the audience sing “God Bless America” with her.
“I treasure the United States,” she said. “I have always felt that this country did everything right and helped other people and other countries. A lot of people don’t agree with that. When we can help people, we do.”
Mary, Chris and Chuck would personally like to thank “Sylvia’s girls” who were her care team. Maggie, Rija, Pam, Cindy, Janie, Maressa, Danae, and Heather who were an invaluable asset to Mary who will always have love in her heart for them. Also, Dr. Robert Cicchelli and Heidi who’s compassion and care will never go unforgotten.
The family would also like to thank the Visiting Nurse Services of Newport County.
Respecting Sylvia’s wishes, Funeral services and burial will be private.
For those wishing to remember Sylvia, a memorial contribution may be made to the Boys and Girls Club, 95 Church Street, Newport, RI 02840, the Wounded Warrior Project, Attn. Advanced Guard, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675, and Housing Hotline, 10 Collins Street, Newport, RI 02840.
Funeral arrangements by the O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Home. For more information or online condolences please visit www.oneillhayes.com
