THE SUSPICIOUS death of a grandmother last seen withdrawing cash in a small Queensland town has left her family members in Lake Macquarie heartbroken and searching for answers.
Wendy Hansen's loved ones don't know what happened to her, how she died, why her body was discovered in Coffs Harbour bushland or where her four-wheel-drive is.
The 63-year-old was captured on CCTV at an ATM in Monto, 170 kilometres west of Bundaberg, on February 29.
She was then seen driving south on the Bruce Highway on the Sunshine Coast at about 2.30pm that day, but then the trail goes cold, homicide detectives say.
Police confirmed publicly last week that human remains found in June in Coffs Harbour, 800 kilometres from Monto, belonged to Ms Hansen.
Her younger sister Helen Schultz, of Belmont, was holding onto fond memories of growing up with Ms Hansen in the Swansea area.
"Although I have not seen my sister for some time, as we lived in different states over 1100 kilometres away from each other, you've always a special heart connection with your big sister," Ms Schultz said.
Ms Hansen's older brother Larry Schultz said Ms Hansen was a "happy-go-lucky person, easy going, and full of life".
"Loved her children, especially her grandkids, and would fiercely defend them," he said.
"[She was] looking forward to retirement so she could spend some time down on the coast fishing."
The siblings, as well as Ms Hansen's Lake Macquarie-based nephew and Ms Schultz's son Matt Schultz, have urged anyone with information about Ms Hansen's mysterious disappearance and death to come forward.
"As a family, we still don't have many questions answered," Ms Schultz said.
"If you know any information, please come forth so our family can have some closure."
Homicide detectives revealed they were specifically interested in tracking down Ms Hansen's silver two-door 2007 Mitsubishi Pajero, with Queenland plates 645TCZ, which has remained missing.
"Keep an eye out for her car, so we can get some answers," Mr Schultz said.
"She was much-loved, and we will all miss her."
Police made a public appeal for information last week as they investigate the death of Ms Hansen.
Officers were called to bushland near Jordan Esplanade at Coffs Harbour on June 18 after reports a member of the public, now known to be a Dunecare volunteer, tragically discovered half-buried human remains.
They have since been identified as belonging to Ms Hansen, and volunteers have planted a tree near the site as a tribute to her.
A number of items including clothing, jewellery, reading glasses, a book, backpack and wallet were also recovered, but not her phone, police said.
The State Crime Command's Homicide Squad set up Strike Force Osbox to investigate Ms Hansen's suspicious death.
Detectives have appealed to the public for any CCTV, dashcam footage or other information that may help the investigation to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
