Jonathan Naea Stevens

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jonathan Naea Stevens, a cherished father, devoted educator, and lover of life's simple pleasures. He peacefully departed this world at the age of 72 at home, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and a deep appreciation for the arts.

Born on July 30, 1951, Jonathan possessed an insatiable passion for jazz music. The melodic tunes and soulful rhythms of this genre were the soundtrack to his life's journey. Whether he was joyfully tapping his foot to a lively tune, or lost in thought as a mellower melody played, his love for jazz was infectious and inspiring. Jonathan was a talented musician and could play many instruments, his favorite being the saxophone. He loved to play in jazz bands, one memorable performance was when his kids saw him play with the famous musician, Joe Pass.

A loving and dedicated father to two children, Jonathan loved being a father, and was extremely proud of his children. His presence was a beacon of support, guidance, and encouragement. He nurtured his children's dreams and aspirations, instilling in them values that would guide them throughout their lives. The memories they created together are a testament to the enduring bond he shared with his family. Alison valued seeing her dad at every sporting event throughout her life- from her tee-ball games at age 6, to her triathlon at age 38. Cameron enjoyed talking about their shared love of music, sports, and literature.

Jonathan found solace in nature and joy in reading. The beach held a special place in his heart, where the crashing waves and endless horizon brought him a sense of peace and tranquility. He often traveled to Half Moon Bay and other places along the coast of California with his long time partner, Wenday, where they would sit on the beach together for hours. His love for the beach was matched only by his passion for written word, as he delved into countless books, finding both entertainment and enlightenment within their pages. Jonathan also had a strong spiritual connection with God and enjoyed reading biblical teachings to Wenday outside on his deck next to the lake. His favorite verse was “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

The early years of Jonathan's life were marked by his service in the army, where he spent two years following his graduation from California State University of Sacramento. Following his time in the military, he transitioned into a career with the US Post Office, delivering connections and correspondence to countless lives. However, it was in his later years that he truly found his calling as a special educator.

As a special educator, Jonathan discovered his true purpose. His genuine care and concern for his students shone brightly, creating an environment where each individual felt seen and valued. His patience, creativity, and dedication enriched the lives of those he taught. The impact he made as an educator extended far beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts of all he touched.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to his hospice nurse, Clessie Hillard, whose compassionate care and support brought comfort to Jonathan during his final days. The family also expresses gratitude to his oncologist, Dr. Diaa Osman, for his dedicated efforts in providing personalized medical care and guidance throughout Jonathan's journey.