The family of a woman who went missing 50 years ago is keeping her in their memories. Joanne Coughlin disappeared without a trace in 1974. Coughlin's niece, Debra Burkey, says all these years have weighed heavily on her. 

“Her life was cut short and it was wrong,” Debra Burkey, Joanne Coughlin’s Niece said. 

On December 27, 1974, Coughlin’s family reported her missing after she didn’t show up to work. Her body and car she was last seen in have never been found.

On Friday, 50 years to the day of the disappearance, a mass was held in Coughlin's honor in Youngstown.

Burkey attended the mass to say one last goodbye to her beloved aunt.

“I think I know what happened and this is the end, this is closure,”Burkey said. 

Burkey remembers her favorite aunt as a great actress in the Youngstown community who always spent time with her and her brothers. 

“She was fun. I remember seeing her in the plays at the Playhouse. She was just magical to an 11-year-old,” she said. “...She was going to school for social work and she would have really been good at it.”

Coughlin's case is still cold. Youngstown Police say they’ve looked into several leads over the years but everything that has come in hasn’t led to any official arrest or charges.

Burkey has spent years doing her own investigating and made several efforts to try and bring in new tips. In 2023, she teamed up with SeasonofJustice.Org to sponsor a billboard asking for anyone to come forward with information. 

“Joanne was last seen heading to the European Health Spa in Boardman, OH and wearing blue jeans, black shirt, blue tie, green leather jacket and tan shoes. She was driving a blue 1968 Ford Fairlane with a white top, license plate H4482G,” the site says about Coughlin. 

Burkey doesn't know if she personally will continue hunting for more answers but feels one day the case will be solved.

“To not find her body is crushing,” she said. “I’d like to at least find her remains but we’ll see.”

Police say if new credible tips come in, they will continue to investigate. Any information on the disappearance of Joanna Coughligh can be brought to YPD at 330-742-8911, the Mahoning County Sheriff's Office at330-480-500 or to Crime Stoppers at 300-746-CLUE.