Betty Jane Puskar

Betty Jane Puskar 80 passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2020, following a year and a half of irrecoverable illnesses. Born in Allegheny County, Virginia on February 19, 1940, Betty was the 3rd of 8 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, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Ohio, St. Croix, US Virginia Islands, Dublin, Ireland, and ultimately Morgantown, West Virginia. 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 on Thursday, June 18th from 1:00-8:00 pm and again on Friday, June 19th from 10:00-12:00 pm. Funeral service will be held on Friday, June 19th at 12:00 pm at The Erickson Alumni Center with Rev. Junius Lewis officiating. People attending are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines including practicing social distancing. Donations to the Betty Puskar Breast Care Center would be greatly appreciated to carry on Betty's philanthropic legacy. Please reference Fund ID Number 2W861 in making any such donations.

Betty passed on June 14, 2020



Services will be held on June 19, 2020

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