Vicki Sue Freimuth

Vicki Sue Freimuth born in Danville, Illinois on October 6, 1944, passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2024, in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is preceded in death by her husband, James Freimuth (1975) and her long-term partner, Harold Liberman (2017). She is survived by her son Benjamin (Elizabeth), daughter Kathryn, and stepchildren, Aric Liberman (Kelly) and Carl Liberman (Sarah McCulloch). She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Stella, Lily, Sean, Kiernan, Veronica, Rachael, Russell, and Isabella.

Vicki's professional career spanned more than 50 years and included numerous accolades and honors. She was a pioneering leader in the establishment and exponential growth of Health Communication as an important field addressing public health. Vicki received her PhD from Florida State University in 1974 and served as a Professor and Director of Health Communication at the University of Maryland from 1974 until 1996. In 1996, she moved to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta where she was Director of Communication for 8 years. After leaving the CDC in 2004, she became Director of the University of Georgia's Center for Health and Risk Communication. Vicki was awarded a honorary doctorate from Emerson College and numerous other academic honors. While teaching in Maryland and Georgia she mentored dozens of graduate students who themselves went on to become leaders in the field she helped create. She is remembered by her colleagues and students fondly for her kindness, patience, encyclopedic knowledge, and practical expertise.

Vicki was an avid gardener and achieved the status of Master Gardner in the State of Georgia. She was also a prolific crafter and in the last years of her life became very passionate about painting, especially watercolors. She was a wonderful Mother, friend, mentor, and colleague.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make donations to Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance.

Funeral Service will be on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 2PM at T.P. White & Sons Funeral Home, 2050 Beechmont Ave., Mt. Washington. Friends may visit the funeral home from 1-2PM.