Mercedes Lodge was 40 when she was last seen at her Castro Valley, California, home on December 14, 1974. She was in recovery from alcoholism and attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Hayward at the time. Her disappearance is described as suspicious and she has never been located.

Mercedes stood between 4 feet 11 inches and 5 feet 2 inches and weighed about 140 to 150 pounds. She walked with a noticeable limp because her left leg was shorter than her right. When last seen she wore a black sweater, green corduroy jacket, black pants, and white sneakers. Her case is classified as an endangered missing person; dental records and DNA are available for identification.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department.