Sister Mary Michyl Habermehl

Phyllis Ruth Habermehl was born to Viola and Robert Habermehl on November 13, 1936. She was the eighth of eleven children raised in Augusta, Kentucky. She was baptized at Saint Augustine Church and received her early education at Saint Augustine School in Augusta. After graduating from Augusta Independent High School in 1954, she attended Morehead State University for a year and then worked at the Cincinnati Gas and Electric Company. Phyllis  enjoyed her work but felt that something was missing. She longed for a larger calling, joined the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1957, and made her Profession of Vows in 1960. 

Sister Mary Michyl pursued her education at Villa Madonna College (now Thomas More University),earning a BA in Elementary Education. She began her teaching at St. John's School in Covington and taught at several schools in Ohio and Alabama. Sister also served as a childcare worker at St. Aloysius Orphanage and the Diocesan Catholic Children's Home, where she ministered for 14 years. She especially enjoyed working with the children there. At times, she had to be both a mother and a father to the children. “She felt that she was their everything .”

In 1991, Sister moved back to the Provincial House, where she held various positions in housekeeping, dietary, and finance. Most recently, Sister served as the transportation director for over 25 years. She happily helped and supported her community, always sharing a giggle and smile.

For 65 years in her religious life, Sister Mary Michyl showed us a “wonderful journey” of service and  education. She found fulfillment in helping her sisters and family. Her enduring passion for assisting others enabled her to share her numerous talents with everyone around her. She will be deeply missed. May she now rejoice in the embrace of our good and loving God. 

Sister Mary Michyl peacefully passed away on February 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Robert, Jr. and Donald; and her sisters Mary Elizabeth, and Judith Marie. Sister leaves behind her beloved brother, Daniel Habermehl, and her sisters Margaret Post, Virginia Finnigan, Evelyn Habermehl, Rita Hargett, and Jan Schweitzer. Sister is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at St. Joseph Heights. The wake service will be held at 10:45 AM, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial in the convent chapel. Interment in the convent cemetery will follow the Mass. Memorials are requested to The Sisters of Notre Dame, Covington, Kentucky.