Leisure World Residents Share Their Love Stories

From chance encounters to matchmaking, these tales of romance span decades

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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In honor of Valentine's Day, the LW Weekly asked residents to submit stories of love and romance. The submissions include tales of reunited childhood sweethearts, a pushy matchmaker who brought two people together, a man who proposed on the first day he met his wife, and more. These stories showcase the power of love to endure through the years and bring joy and fulfillment to those who embrace it.

Why it matters

The stories highlight the diverse ways love can blossom, whether through chance meetings, the nudging of well-meaning friends, or a conviction that one has found their soulmate. They demonstrate that love can withstand the test of time and overcome obstacles, ultimately leading to decades of happiness and the building of families. These tales of romance resonate with the Leisure World community and inspire others to cherish the love in their own lives.

The details

The submissions include accounts of high school sweethearts reuniting after 50 years, a woman who initially rebuffed a man's advances but eventually married him, and a man who proposed to his wife on the first day they met. Several stories also feature the role of matchmaking, whether from a pushy friend or a pastor introducing two people. Despite the diverse paths to love, the common thread is the enduring nature of the connections forged.

  • In 1965, Al and María Gómez met at a school bus stop in Los Alamitos, California.
  • In 1970, Al and María Gómez got married in April.
  • In 2011, Tony Davis moved to Leisure World and met his future wife, Leslie, at their church.
  • In late 2021, Leslie offered to drive Tony to Bible study, leading to the start of their romantic relationship.
  • In April 2022, Tony and Leslie got married and moved in together.

The players

Al and María Gómez

A couple who met in high school in 1965 and are celebrating their 56th anniversary in April.

Tony and Leslie Davis

A couple who met through their church in Leisure World and got married in 2022.

Lawrence Ahr and Elaine Loconte

A couple who reunited 50 years after their first kiss in a New York City project building when they were teenagers.

Ellen and Bob Kabelitz

A couple who were set up by a pushy friend of Ellen's mother and have been married for 50 years.

James Ha

A man who proposed to his wife on the first day they met, and they were married for 46 years until her passing.

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What they’re saying

“Once in a while, a little suggestion, a little nudge in the right direction, and two young people who had hearts open to God's mysterious plan-and a beautiful, full life is the result.”

— Ellen Kabelitz, Mutual 5 (LW Weekly)

The takeaway

These heartwarming love stories from Leisure World residents demonstrate the enduring power of love to overcome obstacles, bring people together, and create lasting happiness. They inspire the community to cherish the love in their own lives, whether it's a decades-long marriage, a chance encounter that blossoms into romance, or the support of caring friends and family.