Family and Friends Devastated by Death of Grosse Pointe Park Woman

GROSSE POINTE PARK, Mich. (WJBK) -- In front of Grosse Pointe South where her children went to high school and she was very much involved, dozens held a candlelight vigil in memory of 56-year-old Jane Bashara Wednesday. Many were brought to tears just at the thought that someone could take her life.

"She was a mentor and a friend and a leader, and just a tremendous loss," said Alison Baker.

"I was shocked and devastated, and I can't believe that such a violent crime took her life," said Amy Graham, who organized the vigil.

What exactly happened to this devoted wife and mother, successful KEMA marketing manager and faithful church member is very much a mystery. We're told it was her daughter who last spoke to her Tuesday evening, talking to her on the cell phone as Bashara returned from work and walked into her Grosse Pointe Park home.

Family told us she DVR'd something on the television, but it appeared she left the house in a hurry. After several calls to her cell phone went unanswered, her husband, Bob Bashara, reported her missing around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Wednesday morning, officers located her vehicle abandoned in an alley on Detroit's east side near Pinewood and Annott streets. Inside was her lifeless body.

It's not clear yet how Bashara died, but sources told FOX 2 there was apparent trauma to her neck and back.

We were also told her Mercedes was intact, her purse was there, but the money inside was gone.

"It's horrific, to be honest with you," said cousin Mike Skaff. "Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of information about what actually happened, so everyone's eager to figure out what happened and hopefully bring the perpetrators to justice."

Among the crowd at the candlelight vigil where Bashara's daughter and husband, who were accepting condolences, but uttering few words, only to thank those who showed up and offered their support as they try to deal with an unimaginable loss.

An autopsy is expected to be conducted on Thursday. Meanwhile, Detroit and Grosse Pointe Park police are investigating. If you have any information, you are asked to call authorities.