Phyllis Leavstrom Mikhail

Phyllis Esther Leavstrom Mikhail passed away on September 6, 2025. Phyllis was born on October 10, 1944, in New Haven, Connecticut, to Norman and Esther (Anderson) Leavstrom.

After graduating from East Haven High School, Phyllis put herself through college. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Central Connecticut State College and a Master of Science from Southern Connecticut State College. Phyllis stayed in CT and worked as an English teacher at East Haven High School before working as an administrative assistant for the IRS, and finally Yale University, where she retired after 30 years of service.

Music was a very important part of Phyllis’ life. She was a pianist, self-taught by ear. She also had a beautiful voice. Phyllis was an alto singer in the choir at church, in her high school and college chorus groups. She also sang backup vocals for Duke Ellington in 1968 when he performed at Welte Auditorium, CCSU, in New Britain, CT. In her later years, Phyllis could often be found walking through the Yale section of New Haven wearing her headphones and singing.

She was also an avid reader, reading 4 to 5 novels a week throughout most of her life. Phyllis appreciated and was eager to learn about all cultures. Over the years she traveled to Ireland, Egypt, Spain, and a good portion of the East Coast. Phyllis was also a Founding member of Virgin Mary and Archangel Mikhail Coptic Orthodox Church of Hamden, CT.

Phyllis loved people. If you met her once, you’d never forget how good she made you feel. It brought her pure happiness to make others feel seen and special. You would also know that red was her favorite color.

Phyllis was the widow of Elia Hanna Mikhail. They were blessed to be married for 50 years. Phyllis and Elia both worked at Yale and often walked to and from work together each day. After retiring, they enjoyed traveling through the northeast, being involved in their church community, and spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Phyllis was predeceased by her parents, Esther and Norman, and brothers, Clifford and Russell.

Survived by children, a son, David Elia Mikhail, of Hamden, CT and a daughter, Maria Mikhail Volpe, and husband Greg, of New Hill, NC; her two grandchildren, Mason Volpe and Noah Volpe, sister Debbie (Mark) Lembke, of Wisconsin and her nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family and friends.

Her funeral service will be held at Beecher and Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518, on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a private burial. Donations in her memory can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.