The grieving family of Mary McLaren last night said they are still waiting to hear when her body will be released so they can make arrangements for her funeral service.
Mary’s sister Michelle confirmed they still haven’t been told by police when Mary will be returned to them, adding the family did not wish to say anything further.
Yesterday Mary’s mother Margaret McIntosh said they were all feeling “numb” following their visit to the Ladywell roundabout on Saturday to mark what would have been her 35th birthday.
They now face another painful wait before finally having the chance to pay their last respects to the mother-of-three.
Mrs McIntosh said, “We haven’t been celebrating Mary’s birthday at all this weekend, just sitting staring at the walls and hardly speaking to one another.
“I’m still waiting for the police to release my daughter so that we can bury her — we’re not able to let her go.”
She described the remembrance service at the spot where Mary’s body was found as very emotional.
She said she couldn’t tell whether it had eased the pain they were experiencing in any way because it was all a blur.
“I can’t remember much about Saturday — I was in shock more than anything else,” she went on.
“My legs just went from under me. I couldn’t really tell you how it made me feel.
“We had support from Father Coyne from St Vincent’s and Rev Fay Lamont from St Ninian’s on the day, and their words gave me some comfort.”
Mrs McIntosh said once Mary’s body is returned to the family, a funeral service will be held at St Vincent de Paul Church on Pitkerro Drive and she will be laid to rest at Eastern Cemetery on Arbroath Road.
“We would like to thank the police for all their help, especially the family liaison officers who have been with us the whole time,” she said.
“They came with us on Saturday and made sure we got home safely.
“We shook hands before they left.”