Police, community members continue search for missing Tillsonburg senior

Oxford County OPP and Tillsonburg residents continue to search for a missing 72-year-old woman who was last seen nearly two weeks ago. 

A woman identified only as Lola by police disappeared after she left her home on Huntley Avenue in the small town on Nov. 8. She was last seen walking around Canary and Martin Streets in Tillsonburg at approximately 11 a.m., according to video surveillance footage.

Lola is described as a Black female, around 5'1, weighing 145 lbs, with a medium build, curly dark hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a burgundy hat, a green puffer-style Calvin Klein winter coat with fur around the hood, blue jeans and black zipper-style Puma brand running shoes, according to police.

She was carrying a black satchel-style cross-body Coach brand purse and a black Coach brand zippered handbag. Some items Lola was carrying included bright purple and pink coloured Under Armour slide-style sandals and a leopard print scarf.

Police said Lola has previous connections to the Toronto and Mississauga areas, and that they're concerned for her safety.

Lola moved to Tillsonburg last summer with her son and daughter, said neighbour Anita Foy, who lives on the same street. Although she never spoke to Lola, Foy organized a candlelight vigil last Sunday, where nearly 100 community members gathered.

"It kind of puts a shock wave through the community because no one has answers of what happened and it's very concerning that she's been gone for so long that there's no new developments," Foy told CBC News. 

Community eager for answers

Foy hosted the vigil outside her house for the community to come together and show support for Lola's family. Many have also taken to social media in hopes of getting answers about the missing senior. 

"My purpose was just to let [Lola's family] know that as a community, we're here if they need anything," said Foy. "A lot of community members had left little notes in a memory box that I had out for them with a prayer or best wishes on it." 

Oxford County OPP's Major Crimes Unit, Emergency Response and the Canine Unit are all investigating, with the help of citizen volunteers from nearby London Search and Rescue.

"The search has involved officers canvassing and searching on foot, all terrain vehicles, police vehicles, a remotely piloted aerial system drone, and helicopters," the OPP said.

"We're all still hoping that she is with us and that she returns to her family," said Foy. 

Police are asking residents, including farmers, commercial property owners, and business owners to routinely check their properties and security camera footage to see if Lola was captured on any of their systems.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Oxford County OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or online at www.oxfordcrimestoppers.com. Information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).