Phyllis (Spadine) Cole, 78, of Stuart, Florida, peacefully passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at Martin Nursing and Restorative Care Center. She was born on June 18, 1937 in Nicholson, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Louis Spadine and Lulu (Spadine) Kman.

As beautiful inside as she was out, Phyllis had a very witty, engaging personality that filled the room. She had a very generous heart, and her caring and compassion were present throughout her life. She was a loving, devoted mother to her son, Chris, and
a steadfast supporter during any family crises.

Her beloved grandparents, Joseph and Ethel Spor, raised Phyllis. It was in the rural surroundings of Northeastern Pennsylvania that she acquired her love of nature, animals, and people, and a deep appreciation for the simple things in life. Among her interests, Phyllis enjoyed tending to her flowers, feeding her birds, and taking care of her dog,“Nikki” and two beautiful cats. She exercised daily and relaxed by taking walks and sharing dinner with Mom at the café near the Roosevelt Bridge in historic downtown Stuart, Florida.

Phyllis was a graduate of Nicholson High School and involved in many activities including chorus, cheerleaders, and band. She loved music and played first trumpet and piano. Our mother, Lulu, often played the piano and Phyllis sang mother’s favorite songs. Sometimes a jam session included Grandpa Joe playing “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” on the piano and Phyllis, Lulu, and anyone present joined in the singing. Grandpa Joe, a World War I veteran, was especially proud when his granddaughter played taps for the Memorial Day services and at funerals for local vets.

After graduation from Scranton Lackawanna Junior College, Phyllis procured a job at the Scranton Federal Building and worked as a clerical stenographer under U.S. Marshal, Oliver Metcalf. She was later appointed to serve as a deputy U.S. marshal. One news reporter wrote, “This deputy U.S. marshal is right out of the glamour movies. The lawmen of the west were never like this.” While on duty at a criminal trial in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, a Pittsburg photographer was struck by her beauty. He noted that she was far different from the “Wyatt Earp” type on television.

Following her time at the marshal’s office, Phyllis and her family moved to Miami. She quickly became involved with local community affairs, working as a tireless consumer advocate. Phyllis and a group of housewives established the Florida Consumer League, which later became the Florida Consumers Association. Through her efforts the Dade County Trade Standards Division and a consumer hotline were created. Other endeavors included the formation of a public relations agency. The firm specialized in political and fund raising campaigns.

In later years Phyllis moved to Stuart, Florida and spent a lot of time in Tallahassee as a lobbyist. She was instrumental in helping to write and eventually pass legislation dealing with mangrove cutting and riparian rights. A major highlight of her career was working with the President of Martin County Regional Land Trust to secure a large state grant to preserve a tract of land along the St. Lucie River in Stuart.

Phyllis was a wonderful daughter, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. We will always remember her beautiful smile, vivacious personality, humor, and altruism. She will forever be a light and a rose in her family’s life.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her father, Louis Spadine; stepfather, Stephen Kman; and brother, Francis Kman. She is survived by her mother, Lulu Kman; son, Chris Cole; siblings: Celia Finn, Stephen J. Kman, Frank Kman, Kim Sellers, Lawrence Spadine, Louis Spadine, Jr., Lorraine Greek, Anastasia Guas, Samuel Spadine, Jean Spadine, and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2015, 12 noon at the Anthony P. Litwin Jr. Funeral Homes, Inc. 33 Reynolds St., Factoryville, Pennsylvania 18419.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of choice or the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, 4100 SW Leighton Farm Ave., Palm City, Florida 34990.