Obituary: Steven Winders

Steven Winders passed away Aug. 30, 2026, in his home in Juneau, Alaska. He was 37 years old. 

Steven lived his whole life in Juneau. Graduated from the transition program at Thunder Mountain High School. He was preceded in death by his father Joe Winders. He is survived by his mother Brenda Dodson Winders; his half-brother Brendan and Amy Winders; and nieces Brenna and Amelia Winders. 

Steven Winders

A mass will be held Saturday, Sept. 12 at 2 p.m. at the Shrine of St Therese. Interment will follow immediately afterward in the Columbarium where Steven will be laid to rest beside his father. Friends and loved ones are invited together to share stories and celebrate Stevens’ life at Jubilee cabin afterward.

Stevens’ birth was a blessing to his parents Joe and Brenda Winders. Born extremely premature his life was a good one made independent as possible through the love and care of his family and care providers. 

Steven had profound disabilities and lived his whole life in his childhood home in Juneau. Steven’s providers were with him 24/7, especially his long-term committed team; Maria Rosales and Maily Miramontes, Fely and Alejandra Roman Cruz who along with Rick Helms paraprofessional, fifth grade through age 22, Molly McCormick, APE, teacher from second grade through age 22, and his guardians Kathleen Donohoe and Peter Hudson. They all became his family. It wasn’t a job; it was love that kept them committed.

Steven loved swimming, and freedom the independence social interactions gave him. He also loved Cheetos. Although Steven could be spirited in expressing his desires, it masked what Steven gave everyone. A signal to be kind, patient, and compassionate. An opportunity to find what is really in our own hearts: and appreciation for a person that could not lie. 

A special thanks to a few that helped Steven. The Toner family, The Shriners, REACH Inc., the Helen Keller Foundation, the amazing Juneau Community, many professionals and non-professionals alike that touched Steven’s life. 

Steven, Thank you for all you did to improve our lives. To bring so many people together to become friends for life. May you be reunited with your dad. Rest in eternal peace. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Helen Keller Foundation at Give to Helen Keller Services – Helen Keller Services. If you prefer to donate via check: Helen Keller Services, Attn: Development HKNC Region 10, 141 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point NY 11050.