‘Enigmatic, strong and kind’ Forest Row woman found dead in Ashdown Forest

The body of a 75-year-old woman from Forest Row was found by walkers in Ashdown Forest.
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Sussex Police have confirmed the body found in Ashdown Forest is that of missing woman Gerda Uelfer-Woods.

On February 14 walkers found the body in the forest between Priory Road and the A22 near Forest Row, according to police.

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Ms Uelfer-Woods was reported missing from her home in Forest Row in July last year.

Photo by Sussex Police SUS-210224-110934001Photo by Sussex Police SUS-210224-110934001
Photo by Sussex Police SUS-210224-110934001

She had told people she was going away and hadn’t been seen since late June. An appeal for her whereabouts was issued in July.

Her daughter, Heather Woods, said, “We are understandably heartbroken but also relieved that after eight long months we can finally place our loving mother to rest. She was an inspiration in so many ways, worldly wise and full of adventurous spirit.

“Enigmatic, strong and kind she was the sort of person who does not grace this earth often and her departure has left a gaping hole in our lives. A wonderful mother, sorely missed, deeply loved, never forgotten.”

Police say the death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroners officer is continuing enquiries.

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