Authorities have called off the search for an elderly woman who went missing from BC’s Lower Mainland last week as her loved ones grapple with the heartbreaking uncertainty surrounding her disappearance.

Jane Whitehouse was last seen leaving her home in the Aldergrove community of Langley Township around 10 a.m. Friday, and the 82-year-old’s Dodge Grand Caravan was recovered on a remote service road two days later.

“We’re all wondering why the vehicle is there because it’s not a location where it would normally be found,” said Melanie Sora, a family friend.

“There’s just a lot of unanswered questions.”

For days, search teams scoured the area where the vehicle was located — along the East Harrison Forest Road, about a 90-minute drive from Whitehouse’s home — but found no sign of it.

In the absence of new leads, Langley RCMP said Wednesday that search crews have stepped down pending new information that will help them target their efforts.

However, investigators are still looking for witnesses and have urged anyone with information to come forward immediately.

“We are deeply concerned for Jane’s well-being,” Cpl. Zynal Sharoom said.

While RCMP are still treating the case as a missing person’s investigation, authorities “have not ruled out” any possibilities, Sharoom added.

The sister described her missing friend as “witty” and “very bubbly” with a “wicked sense of humour” – but also someone who cares for everyone around her.

Whitehouse’s sudden disappearance was overwhelming for his loved ones, Sora said.

“It’s not just stress and worry — it’s traumatic,” she said. “And at the same time, it’s a very private thing that you’re going through, but it’s very public.”

On Tuesday, Langley RCMP released a new image of Whitehouse that shows her in a distinctive green jacket, which she was wearing at the time of her disappearance. Authorities hope that jacket may spark someone’s memory of seeing her since her disappearance on October 25.

Jane Whitehouse, 82, was last seen on October 25, 2024 wearing a distinctive green jacket. (Sheet)

“If anyone has seen her from Langley to the forest service road, we want to hear from you,” Sharoom said.

Whitehouse is described as white, 5ft 1in tall, with a medium build and gray blonde hair. Anyone with information can contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Shannon Paterson