Phyllis Sherwood — Biography
Phyllis Spivak, a former Playmate of the Month, passed away on Monday from lung cancer. She was 69. Merrill Spivak, her husband, recalled how he encouraged her foray into modeling. In 1963, he asked a Playboy photographer, who was working with another model near their Palm Island residence, to take some pictures of his then-girlfriend, Phyllis Sowicki. This led to a professional photo session for Ms. Sowicki, then 25, and she graced the pages of Playboy as its July 1963 centerfold. The petite model, with her strawberry blond hair, was photographed on a life raft. Having previously battled breast cancer six years prior, Phyllis Sowicki Spivak of Davie succumbed to lung cancer on Monday at the age of 69. Mr. Spivak fondly remembered their early days, joking about having his own centerfold. The couple married in 1972. According to Mr. Spivak, posing in swimwear came naturally to Phyllis, as she was at ease in front of the camera. He noted that while she was proud of the experience, she didn't discuss it extensively, viewing it as a distinct aspect of her life.
Born Phyllis Sowicki on September 30, 1937, in Niagara Falls, New York, she relocated to Fort Lauderdale in 1959. She subsequently worked at Miami's Playboy Club for two years, wearing the iconic bunny costume. Her modeling career continued, involving various photographers and travel as a Playboy bunny. In the late 1960s, Ms. Spivak transitioned from her glamorous profession to domestic life, raising her two sons and a daughter. The family later resided in Chicago before returning to South Florida in 1996, settling in Davie. There, she was a co-owner of her husband's condo management business. At their three-acre home, she cared for horses, dogs, and ducks. Her son, Philip Spivak of Aventura, described her as a mother and friend who offered boundless affection. He shared her philosophy of guiding them toward the right path while allowing them to learn from their own experiences. He also noted her tendency to prioritize helping friends, sometimes foregoing her own appointments. Her son explained that she absorbed others' troubles, extending herself until she had little left to give.
In addition to Philip, Phyllis Spivak is survived by another son, Jay Spivak of Davie, and her daughter, Rhonda Spivak of Davie. Her mother, Amy Allera of Lake Worth, also survives her. A service was held on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Gilda's Club, a charity for cancer research that was dear to Ms. Spivak. Inquiries can be made at 888-GILDA-
Born Phyllis Sowicki on September 30, 1937, in Niagara Falls, New York, she relocated to Fort Lauderdale in 1959. She subsequently worked at Miami's Playboy Club for two years, wearing the iconic bunny costume. Her modeling career continued, involving various photographers and travel as a Playboy bunny. In the late 1960s, Ms. Spivak transitioned from her glamorous profession to domestic life, raising her two sons and a daughter. The family later resided in Chicago before returning to South Florida in 1996, settling in Davie. There, she was a co-owner of her husband's condo management business. At their three-acre home, she cared for horses, dogs, and ducks. Her son, Philip Spivak of Aventura, described her as a mother and friend who offered boundless affection. He shared her philosophy of guiding them toward the right path while allowing them to learn from their own experiences. He also noted her tendency to prioritize helping friends, sometimes foregoing her own appointments. Her son explained that she absorbed others' troubles, extending herself until she had little left to give.
In addition to Philip, Phyllis Spivak is survived by another son, Jay Spivak of Davie, and her daughter, Rhonda Spivak of Davie. Her mother, Amy Allera of Lake Worth, also survives her. A service was held on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Gilda's Club, a charity for cancer research that was dear to Ms. Spivak. Inquiries can be made at 888-GILDA-
