Deanna "Ekaterina" Steiner

Ekaterina Landry died September 18, 2013 at her home in Chico, with her mother, siblings, and several close friends surrounding her with love. Born in Russia on September 20, 1992, she arrived in the United States as a permanent resident in July, 1994, along with her older brother Nicolai. They found a loving home with Rosemarie Landry in San Jose, moving to Chico in 1999. She graduated from Pleasant Valley High School in 2008. Charming, friendly, artistic, and athletic, Ekaterina enjoyed many different sports and participated in Special Olympics. In 2006, she was part of a select group of Special Olympians from northern California to participate in the first Special Olympics National Games in Ames, Iowa. She won a gold medal in gymnastics floor exercises. She loved animals. Caring for the animals at her Chico home was her responsibility. Her rare neurological disorder, neurofibromatosis, and the tumors it caused, did not stop her from pursuing lofty goals, which she regularly achieved. In April, 2013, Ekaterina developed a tumor which proved inoperable. Her cheerfulness remained strong even as she understood the seriousness of her illness. Her Christian faith remained strong as well. She was confident in God's promise of eternal life and prayed not for herself, but that her friends and family would know the steadfast love of God. Ekaterina is survived by her mother, Rosemarie Landry, of Chico; her brothers, Nicolai and Dillon, both of Red Bluff; and her sisters and brothers, Terry, Maria, Chele, Mykee, Samantha, and Cole, all of Chico; Sarafina, of Paradise; Robbie, of San Jose; and Orlando, of San Diego; along with many close friends of all ages. Two other sisters, Bobbie Sue and Barbara, preceded her in death. A celebration of her life will take place on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at New Vision United Church of Christ, 1190 East First Avenue in Chico. Memorial gifts may be made to the church, Special Olympics Butte County, 976 Mangrove Avenue, Chico, 95926, and Butte Humane Society, 2580 Fair Street, marked for care of cats.