Heather Marks was on her way to Leichhardt Pool in Sydney’s Inner West when she vanished without a trace more than 40 years ago.

Marks, then aged 53, was seen walking towards the pool on Glover Street in Rozelle, about 9.30am on Wednesday 13 April 1983. 

Her family never saw or heard from her again.

Police are appealing for the public’s help to find Marks, as part of this year’s ‘Forever Loved’ Missing Persons Week 2025.

In August 2008, the NSW Deputy State Coroner declared Heather was dead, but no finding was made regarding her manner or cause of death.

The ruling has not stopped Marks’ family searching for answers.

At the time of her disappearance, Heather is believed to have had a partner named ‘Ray’, who her family say was an interstate truck driver who drove between Sydney and Melbourne.

Heather’s granddaughter, Natalie Jackson, is urging Ray – or anyone who may know more about him or her grandmother’s disappearance – to come forward.

“We are really hopeful the passing of time means someone may feel more comfortable to come forward to help us uncover what happened to our grandmother,” Jackson said.

“My mum has lost all of her siblings – she is the last one left – and I am desperate to get these answers for her.

“To everyone else my grandmother is a missing person, but to us she is just really missed.”

Marks was about 165cm to 170cm tall. She had grey hair and blue eyes.

She also lived with a number of medical conditions.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said Heather Marks’ disappearance showed the toll of missing persons cases on families.

“More than 40 years have passed since Heather Marks was last seen, but her family’s pain and unanswered questions remain as real today as they were in 1983,” Catley said.

“No family should be left in the dark for four decades. If you know something, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please contact Crime Stoppers and help bring some peace to Heather’s loved ones.”

Assistant Commissioner Scott Cook, State Crime Command, said Missing Person’s Week is a chance for police to put long-term missing people back in the public consciousness and continue the search for answers.

“In New South Wales, around 10,000 people go missing every year and sadly, some are never found. As Missing Persons Week begins, we stand in solidarity with those still searching for loved ones, and we acknowledge the deep pain carried by families and communities affected by these long-term cases.

“As we continue our investigations, we urge anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, about Heather Marks or any long-term missing person to come forward. Even the smallest detail could help bring closure to a family who has waited decades,” Cook said.