Maria "Vicki" Washburn

Maria “Vicki” Washburn (née Mata-Jimenez) passed away on December 31st, 2024 at the age of 78 after a productive life filled with love and laughter. She was a resident of Jacksonville, FL. Vicki was cherished by family and friends for her sense of humor and vibrant nature.

Vicki was born on April 27, 1946 in San José, Costa Rica to Hermogenes Mata and Carmen Mata (née Jimenez-Rodriguez).

She graduated from the University of Costa Rica with aspirations of becoming a teacher. When she was 26, she travelled to Jacksonville, to attend Jacksonville University where she received a Bachelor of Arts. In the 1980’s, Vicki became a US citizen of the country she loved so much. She spent the majority of her working life with the federal government in the Treasury Department where she was recognized several times for her strong work ethic.

Gardening was one of Vicki’s great passions and she could spend hours in her yard tending to her exotic plants. Always curious, she could be walking by a random flower bed and would seek out the owner to ask what kind of plants they were. She was extremely fond of music, especially classical music and Elvis. She would often break out into song or dance spontaneously to brighten any mood. She led a highly active lifestyle for years and was a great ballroom dancer.

Vicki also loved animals and had numerous dogs and cats during her life. She was a generous soul and would donate to many causes. For many years, Vicki was a member of Resurrection Catholic Church in Jacksonville. She found fellowship not just in the church, but everywhere she went. She was very social and was the kind of person that wanted to be on a first name basis with everyone from the cashier at the grocery store to her bank teller. Vicki brought laughter and joy to so many people over the course of her life with her unique style.

She is survived by her beloved son, Ian Washburn, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her mother and father, Hermogenes and Carmen, her brothers Leonardo Mata, Alfonso Mata, and her sister “Carmita” Mata.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held for Vicki at Resurrection Catholic Church in Jacksonville, FL on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Jacksonville Humane Society by clicking DONATE, or mailing to 8464 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32216. 

Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.KepnerFH.com