The Eye & Ear Foundation is mourning the loss of Barbara Myers, the wife of Dr. Eugene Myers, former Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. They met through work as she was a nurse and were married for 66 years.
“Barbara’s devotion and support allowed Gene to reach the peak of the medical profession,” said Heather Chronis Danek, Senior Director of Development for Individual Giving and Corporate Partnerships. “Up until her final years, Barbara traveled with Gene to all his conferences and speaking engagements. She was by his side as he trained residents and fellows, many of whom became Chairs of their respective departments, including their son Jeffrey Myers, MD, who is the Chair at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.”
Chronis Danek described Barbara as being talented and stylish. She decorated some of the most exquisite homes in Pittsburgh and loved planning the Otolaryngology Holiday Party every year when her husband was the Chair. She stood at the door with him greeting and welcoming guests, Chronis Danek recalled.
Current Otolaryngology Chair José Zevallos said her legacy is ingrained in the fabric of “this great Department and she will be sorely missed.”
EEF CEO Lawton Snyder called Barbara a big part of the EEF family. “Since 1972, Gene and Barbara have been the host and hostess to the local, national, and international otolaryngology community,” he said. “I will never forget Barbara for her style, grace, and the support she always provided to me and everyone at EEF.”
Barbara’s son Jeff Myers said his mother lived on her own terms with the strength of her convictions. She is also survived by daughter Marjorie and five grandsons.