Betty Jane Puskar, 80, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2020, following a year and a half of irrecoverable illnesses.
Born in Allegheny County, Va., on Feb. 19, 1940, Betty was the third of eight children born to the late Garnett and Gladys Crawford Howard. She graduated Dunlap High School and Covington Business College. In her hometown, Betty worked as a hairdresser, a waitress, a secretary and at the Industrial Rayon Corporation factory.
At the age of 22, she met the emerging entrepreneur Milan “Mike” Puskar (1934-2011). Soon thereafter, the two were married, and Betty was quickly introduced into the business world. While her husband, Mike, proceeded to shape what later became the generic drug manufacturing company Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Betty was at his side as a supportive spouse navigating through the necessary corporate and political development activities required of a successful startup. Today, most recognize Betty as a key player in the formation and success of Mylan.
The generic pharmaceutical business took the Puskars around the world. They lived in various places, including Princeton, Cincinnati, Ohio, St. Croix, U.S. Virginia Islands, Dublin, Ireland, and ultimately Morgantown.
In 1985, Betty was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and underwent the harshest of experimental treatments at MD Anderson Medical Center in Houston, which treatment brought her very close to death. After months and months of treatment and rehabilitation, Betty was able to overcome the breast cancer. Following her recovery, Betty took immediate measures that led her to become West Virginia’s lead advocate for breast cancer care, treatment, and prevention. In 1990, Betty endowed and founded the Betty Puskar Breast Care Center at West Virginia University. To spotlight the newly opened Breast Care Center, she was instrumental in bringing a stop on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) tournament in Morgantown. Known as “The Futures Tour,” the event ran for 17 years of play during which time Ms. Puskar promoted breast cancer education and prevention programs and sought to encourage women in West Virginia to have regular testing for breast cancer.
Naturally joyous and optimistic at all times, even despite severe illnesses and circumstances, her life’s purpose always centered around making those who she came in contact with smile, have a good time and feel good about themselves. She fervently believed that a sense of humor and a positive attitude are a major defense against life’s never-ending challenges.
Anyone whose path crossed Betty’s would instantly feel her infectious charisma and fervor for finding joy in every moment. Her regal style and beauty, both inside and out, lit up every room that she entered.
Betty loved Morgantown and West Virginia and was proud to call it her home. Her town and her state recognized her generosity and loyalty by presenting her with a number of its top philanthropic awards, including: Earl L. Core Award, Mylan Puskar Award, Most Loyal Mountaineer of West Virginia University, West Virginia Philanthropist of the Year 2005, WV Cancer Center Winged Victory Award and countless others.
Betty was known to be very loyal and deeply devoted to her family. She is survived by her daughter Johanna Puskar (Mark Crouse), of Maryland; her grandson, Kyle Milan Pratt (Anna Pratt), of Morgantown; two sisters, Janet Austin and Yvonne Lewis, of Virginia; three brothers, Bill Howard, of Alaska, Donald Berkley Howard, of Ohio, and Wayne Howard (Mary Jo Howard), of Virginia; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Betty was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul Howard and Berlin Stables Howard, and longtime companion, Regis Kobert.
A public visitation will be held at The Erickson Alumni Center from 1-8 p.m. Thursday, June 18 and again from 10 a.m.-noon Friday, June 19. Funeral service will be held at The Erickson Alumni Center at noon Friday, June 19 with the Rev. Junius Lewis officiating. People attending are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines including practicing social distancing.
Donations to the Betty Puskar Breast Care Center WVU Foundation 7th Floor, One Waterfront Place, Morgantown, WV 26507 would be greatly appreciated to carry on Betty’s philanthropic legacy. Please reference Fund ID Number 2W861 in making any such donations.
Caring services are provided by Dering-Henson Funeral Home.
Condolences:
www.dering-henson.com
