Former Costa Mesa resident reported missing

Authorities are searching for an 88-year-old woman suffering from dementia who was reported missing June 1.

Janet DeFelice had recently moved from Costa Mesa to the 5200 block of Santa Rita Ranch Road near Templeton, about 250 miles north of Costa Mesa, so her son could care for her. DeFelice’s family said she suffers from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease but has never been formally diagnosed.

“She was upset that night (June 1) because she wanted to go home to Orange County,” said Rebecca DeFelice-Burt, Janet’s 23-year-old granddaughter. “We’re thinking she was trying to make her way back there.”

DeFelice moved to Southern California with her husband 45 years ago. When he died, DeFelice moved into an apartment in the 1900 block of Maple Ave., Costa Mesa with her Pomeranian dog Brandi. The 5-foot-7 woman, who weighs 130 pounds, was last seen wearing a red sweatshirt, black sweatpants, white tennis shoes and gold-rimmed glasses. DeFelice also has her purse, which only contained her California ID and $10; she had no credit cards. .

San Luis Obisbo Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, with assistance from other local and state agencies, extensively searched the area; they suspended the search June 2, sheriff’s Sgt. Brian Hascall said.

“We’ve had a number of leads of possible sightings, but none have turned out to be her,” Hascall said.

Anyone who has seen her is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (805) 549-STOP or the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s department at (805) 781-4550.