Judith Maughan

Judith (Judi) Maughan, 68, of Port St. Lucie Florida passed away peacefully and courageously, on Friday April 26, 2024. Judi was born November 16, 1955 in Yuba City, California to Robert and Rosemarie (Taylor) Svoboda. Judi grew up in Ft. Lauderdale with her mother and older brother where she graduated from Piper High School in 1973. Following graduation, Judi proudly enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a Corpsman from 1973 to 1977. Following her military service, she went on to complete nursing school to become a registered nurse and most notably worked at the VA Medical Centers in Portland, Oregon and West Palm Beach, Florida.

Judi was proud to be a female veteran and part of the community that the VA Medical Center was able to create. She credits the Navy for providing her the life skills and opportunities that she used to build her career and provide for her family. Judi was humbled to be selected to attend an Honor Flight, where she was able to visit the Vietnam Memorial and be acknowledged for her service in our Nation’s Capital. Shortly before her passing, she was recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for her legacy of patriotism and dedication to the women in the military that helped make the Nation a more inclusive society.

When thinking of Judi, it’s easy to think of her love of traveling, good music, reality TV and her witty and in true sailor fashion, sometimes inappropriate sense of humor. You could always ask about the upcoming cruise she was planning or about the latest Big Brother gossip. She had a long-time love of Jimmy Buffett music and the Key West carefree lifestyle. She frequently described herself as fiercely independent and incredibly loyal. Her friends describe her as selfless and willing to go above and beyond for anyone that needed her help. Her family describes her as badass. She was a true fighter who never let her limitations hold her back from enjoying her life to the fullest. In the words of Jimmy Buffett, “Some of it’s magic, some of it’s tragic, but I had a good life all the way.”

Judi is survived by her brother Robert (Juilien) Svoboda, daughters, Kelly (Mathew) Mattison, Leah (Shane) Karvonen; grandchildren Emily (Zachary) Ridgely, AJ and Paige Mattison, Benjamin and Noah Karvonen; great-grandchildren Olivia and Corey Ridgely and nieces and nephews Benjamin, Nikkos, and Jasmine Svoboda. She is preceded in death by her husband Gregg Maughan, father Robert C. Svoboda, mother and step-father Rosemarie and James A. Bateman.

Her daughters, Kelly and Leah would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center, with an extra special mention to the Hospice Team. Their attentive care and compassion allowed Judi to pass with grace and dignity, while surrounded by love and honor. 

In honor of Judi's service to our country, for the Celebration of Life family and friends are invited to wear Red, White, and Blue attire. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 18, 2024 from 2PM to 4PM with a memorial service to begin at 4PM at the Haisley Tribute Center 2041 SW Bayshore Blvd Port St. Lucie, FL 34984.