Helen Kontio, 65, was last seen leaving the Marigold Assisted Living Facility in Palmer, Michigan, on May 9, 2022. She vanished from a small, tight-knit community where she was well known and liked; at the time she was wearing a blue jacket, blue pants, white shoes and carrying a green and blue one-strap backpack.

Friends, neighbors and local law enforcement — including the Michigan State Police Negaunee Post and the Marquette County Sheriff’s Department — mounted extensive searches of the rugged terrain around Palmer, with volunteers joining officials. Those efforts produced no significant leads and the community remains unsettled by her disappearance.

The investigation is open and officials are asking anyone with information to come forward. If anyone knew Helen, saw her on or after May 9, 2022, or has information about her whereabouts, please share what is known with the Michigan State Police.