AN appeal has been made to trace the family of a woman found dead in her home.

Former Greenock High pupil Lizanne Sallie’s body was discovered within a flat in Dunn Street in Paisley.

Lizanne, who was also known under the surnames Stewart and McMichael, could be buried with only a handful of people present after police said they had been unable to trace any relatives since her body was found on 23 June.

Police released the 36-year-old’s body earlier this week and former school friend Nikki MacKenzie has launched an urgent appeal for family of her late friend to get in touch.

Nikki, 38, of Larkfield, said she was ‘saddened’ to hear her old school pal had passed away.

She added: “I was contacted by a friend of mine a few nights ago who told me Lizanne had died.

“We were friends at Greenock High School and she regarded me as her cousin, so the call came through to me.

“Lizanne and her family were estranged for many years and her partner Bobby passed away last year.

“She only has his sister and we are trying to contact her family. We’ve tried Facebook and directories but now we’ve reached an impass.

“Police released her body two days ago and it looks like it will only be a few old school friends at the funeral and no family.

“It’s awfully sad, getting to the end of your life and there’s nobody there to say goodbye.” Nikki, who has five daughters, says Lizanne attended Ravenscraig Primary and then Greenock High.

Lizanne is understood to have gone to live in Dunoon and then moved to Paisley. The pair were close as teenagers but gradually lost touch.

She said: “I hadn’t spoke to Lizanne in 10 years. She had emotional problems and differences in her family but I think they should be notified and given the chance to say goodbye. They still deserve to know she has passed away, to give them closure and lay her to rest.” Nikki is desperate for Lizanne’s mum, who is believed to be called Agnes, or any family members to come forward.

She added: “She was a lovely girl and it’s sad that this is the way her life has ended.

“She deserved so much better. She was one of the girls who should have had a happy ending.” Another old friend Margaret Ann Rush has set up a funeral fund.

Police confirmed Lizanne Stewart, or McMichael, was found dead in a flat in Dunn Street on 23 June and have been trying to trace relatives but fear they may be deceased.

Anyone with information or knew Lizanne can call Nikki on 07527 23110.