Bidding Farewell to Her Home of 70 Years

Teresa Loncono was a teenager when she moved to Capistrano Beach in 1923, and she has lived here ever since, watching the closely knit seaside hamlet develop into a bustling, populous community within the city of Dana Point.

After more than 70 years on Victoria Street, Loncono, now 92, is moving to Orange to be closer to her daughter.

Her pending departure inspired her friends and neighbors to gather at a local hangout, Lucy’s El Patio Cafe, to honor her and to say goodbye.

More than 50 well-wishers reminisced, swapped stories and looked at old photographs of the area while sharing food, celebratory toasts and heartfelt hugs.

Though friends describe Loncono as quiet, they say she is well known in the community for her volunteer work and fund-raising projects for her church, San Felipe De Jesus Catholic Church.

Sylvia Sanchez Gildea, 55, of Dana Point shared memories of growing up in the Victoria Street neighborhood.

Even though she had lost touch with Loncono over the years, Gildea said, she heard about the party and just had to be there.

“I hadn’t seen her in years,” Gildea said. “She’s my godmother.”

Friends from a local rubber factory Loncono worked at in the 1950s also stopped by, as did former playmates of Loncono’s five children. (Loncono also has seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.)

Resident Bill Mathes, 46, grew up next door to Loncono, who was widowed and brought up her children on her own.

“She’s been a fantastic person,” Mathes said, recalling how her dedication to her family inspired the community.

Reflecting on the past 70 years, which have brought freeways, shopping centers and resort hotels, Loncono said the biggest change has been the population boom.

“There are a lot of new people here,” she said.