Nadyne Orona finds joy everywhere at On Lok: octogenarians dancing to Latin beats at the senior center; laughter echoing through the PACE centers’ hallways; and LGBTQ+ elders feeling seen, heard, and valued at On Lok + Openhouse Community Day Services. “It’s empowered living,” Nadyne says. “On Lok is like a Blue Zone for seniors—a place where they can truly thrive.”
That joy, witnessed over the past two decades, has fueled Nadyne’s passionate support of On Lok—as a donor, fundraiser, and longtime member of the Development Committee. Her generosity is part of a family tradition rooted in gratitude and service.
“It’s in my DNA,” Nadyne says. “I grew up in Hawaii with parents and grandparents who taught us the importance of helping others. You can’t take your blessings with you, so why not share them while you’re here? Their lessons became a way of life for me.”
A chance encounter sparked Nadyne’s lifelong connection to On Lok. She and her husband Lonnie were raising their children and looking for ways to give back, especially to the elderly. The family began delivering food to older adults across San Francisco. One day, while volunteering at the On Lok PACE Gee Center, they met a woman who lived in the housing upstairs. “She was very elderly and blind, but she shared her life stories with us,” Nadyne remembers. “She was so joyful and content. Her radiance left a deep and lasting impression on us.”
Years later, when her mother, Benedyne, needed more care, Nadyne remembered On Lok PACE. “At first, my mom said, ‘I’m not old like those people! I don’t want to be babysat.’ But after enrolling, she thrived. She made friends, became an ambassador, and found joy and purpose again. It wasn’t just the personalized healthcare—it was the community.”
Nadyne remembers every member of the “incredible” team who cared for her mom—from Dr. Fusheng Wang and the nurses to the drivers and front desk staff.
“On Lok became a second home for my mom. Even when she had to go to the hospital, the continuity of care never broke,” she says. That deeply personal experience inspired Nadyne to become an ambassador herself.
“When someone cares for your mother like she’s their own family, it’s impossible to walk away unchanged,” she says. “I knew then that On Lok would always be part of our lives.”
Nadyne credits CEO Grace Li and Chief of Development John Blazek for their visionary leadership and commitment to inclusivity and innovation—exemplified by the partnership with Openhouse to support LGBTQ+ elders.
“Giving to On Lok means giving people dignity, purpose, and connection at a time when they need it most. I support these programs through our family foundation and as a proud member of the Legacy Circle,” she says. The Lonnie and Nadyne Orona Foundation recently championed the Build Tomorrow Together campaign with a generous gift—an expression of gratitude for the love and support they have felt from their On Lok community.
Now, Nadyne hopes to inspire the next generation to carry forward the spirit of giving—and to support On Lok. Her 17-year-old granddaughter has already joined her in volunteering. “I want all four of my grandchildren to understand the importance of being thoughtful, purposeful, and present in the lives of others,” she says.
Fostering intergenerational connection, Nadyne believes, is key to a more compassionate society. “Imagine if teaching children to connect with elders—hearing their stories and learning from them—were part of every school’s curriculum. It would help build a more caring world.”
On Lok holds a special place in Nadyne’s heart because “you can feel the love—among staff, among participants, and among families,” she says. That’s why she continues to support On Lok’s expansion and renovations.
“My dream is for On Lok PACE to be everywhere—for every family to have this kind of support.”
