Dr. Linda Ciofu Baumann was a trailblazer in nursing, behavioral medicine, and interdisciplinary health education. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing from the University of Michigan and a PhD in social psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Baumann integrated clinical practice, research, and teaching to advance health equity and improve patient outcomes. As an Adult Nurse Practitioner, she provided primary care to underserved populations in urban, rural, and international settings. Her leadership in education led to the creation of community-based, interdisciplinary models of primary care and was a founding member of the Wisconsin Area Health Education Center, which continues to strengthen the state’s healthcare workforce, serving over 6,500 learners annually.

Dr. Baumann’s research made significant contributions to the theoretical development of self-regulation in health and illness—particularly how health beliefs shape self-care behaviors. Her studies informed understanding of conditions including hypertension, diabetes, heart transplantation, and cancer screening. She was the author of numerous peer-reviewed publications and seven editions of Advanced Health Assessment & Clinical Diagnosis in Primary Care, a cornerstone text in nursing education.

Her global impact was equally noteworthy. Dr. Baumann led funded initiatives to develop the nursing workforce in Vietnam, conducted pioneering research on breast cancer care-seeking behaviors among Vietnamese women, and supported healthcare workforce development in Vietnam, Uganda, and rural Wisconsin. She also led interdisciplinary student groups to El Salvador, Cuba, and Uganda to develop collaborations that span disciplines and borders, uniting professionals and communities in pursuit of better health for all.

Dr. Baumann’s many honors include the American Heart Association’s Katharine A. Lembright Award for excellence in cardiovascular research by a nurse scientist. She was a Fellow of both the American Academy of Nursing and the Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM), and a founding member of the UW–Madison Global Health Institute. She has also served as President of SBM and as a member of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Linda had a good life but not without the losses, loves and journeys life brings us.

She was born September, 28th 1948 in Detroit, MI to Mike Ciofu and Lillian Patricia (Ochala). She was preceded in death by her sister Marlene, brother Jack, and niece Erica. She is survived by sisters Barbara Loupes (Deano), Mary Beth, brother Michael, niece Madeline (Tim), and nephew Jackson, as well as her loving partner Larry Hubbard.

Linda loved to sail on Lake Mendota and did wonderful hikes around the world. Linda always enjoyed family gatherings, sharing great meals and wine, and just having fun.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Madison Public Library Foundation, Clean Lakes Alliance, or Agrace Hospice.

Please share your memories Linda by posting in her guestbook.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434