Missing Reading woman found dead in Londonderry

READING, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A woman missing from Reading was found dead Tuesday in New Hampshire.

Dorothy Brownsberger was last seen by her husband at about 9 a.m. Sunday. Mass. and State Police conducted a search for the 48-year-old Monday, asking the public for help.

Brownsberger, a Reading resident, was well known for being athletic despite physical challenges. She had a double lung transplant about 20 years ago due to cystic fibrosis, but still competed in road races and more.

Her husband told FOX25 that he last saw Brownsberger Sunday before she went to the store for milk.

He took to Facebook Monday night and posted the following message: "My wife Dottie Lessard Brownsberger went to get milk for breakfast around 9-915am Sunday September 20th, and said she'd be right back for 9:30 church and never returned. She left her phone at home and has not accessed any bank accounts in the past 35 hours. She was driving her 07, Yellow Hummer H3. Please send prayers and report any yellow H3 hummer to the reading or local police to where you see it. If there is anyone who sees her, has heard from her or knows her location please contact the Reading PD. I can't begin to express how shocked we are and we are praying for her to be found and safely returned. Please share."

On Tuesday morning, FOX25 learned that Brownsberger was found dead in a yellow Hummer in Londonderry, N.H. The DA confirmed that she had passed away and the case is no longer considered a criminal investigation.

"Our thoughts now turn to her family and friends in this difficult time," the DA said in a release.

Brownsberger's family released the following statement Tuesday: “Thank you for all you kind and continued support. We have had some very sad news and have gathered to support each other in this time of devastating sadness. We will post again as we are able. Please continue to hold us in hearts and prayers.”

They have set up a GoFundMe account in her name, click here if you would like to make a donation.

Cox Media Group