Obituary of Celeste Van Landingham

Celeste Antoinette Hayden Van Landingham, LTC, U.S. Army, (Ret) January 4, 1922 - August 16, 2015 Celeste Antoinette Hayden Van Landingham was born January 4, 1922, in Aberdeen, Washington to Basil Patrick Hayden and Celeste Pratte Taylor Hayden. She was the sixth of eleven children, the first of whom was born after the family moved west from Montgomery City, Missouri. In childhood, Celeste developed a keen work ethic, frequently selecting non-traditional odd jobs, always with the goal of self-sufficiency. Strengthened by her lifelong dedication to Catholicism, her spiritual connection with family, nature and her beloved animals was evident. After graduating in 1944 from Eastern Washington University, she received an advanced degree in physical therapy from the United States Army in San Antonio, Texas. She served in the Philippines during World War II in the Army and remained on activity duty after the war, eventually retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Highlights of her military career included the original development and acceptance of Cryotherapy techniques as an option for injuries, and her selection as a physical therapist for the Rome and Melbourne summer U.S. Olympic teams. As the years passed, she left physical therapy and became an avid horsewoman, breeding horses for the remainder of her life. In later years, she traveled widely and enjoyed visiting her extended family, serving as a source of advice and strength for all. Married only for a short time, she had no children. Survivors include her dearest friend of many years, Dr. Betty Whitener of Oak Ridge, Louisiana; her sister Bernadette Hayden Laurenzana of San Diego, California; and nineteen nieces and nephews who live around the world. From childhood through her adult life, Celeste honored a promise to her mother and generously gave emotional, spiritual and financial support to her burgeoning extended family. Celeste lived a long and eventful life and she will be sorely missed. A mass and family gathering is planned for a later date. A donation in her name to the Fisher House Foundation in lieu of other considerations is appreciated.