70-year-old woman missing since last week found safe

Judy Lee Bednarek

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – A 70-year-old Gainesville woman who hadn't been seen or heard from since Friday was found safe Wednesday.

Deputies said neighbors contacted them Tuesday afternoon to conduct a well-being check on Judy Lee Bednarek at her apartment in the 4500 block of Norwest 23rd Avenue after they hadn't seen her since last week.

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At the time of the well-being check, Bednarek's purple Pontiac 2DR bearing Florida license plate M492ZJ was still at her home.

A deputy contacted Bednarek on Friday in the area of Meadowbrook Golf Course, at which time she refused assistance in getting home, according to the Sheriff's Office. She told the deputy she likes to hike.

Bednarek was not reported missing at that time.

Deputies said Bednarek has a history of wandering away from her home and being disoriented and confused.

On Wednesday, deputies said she appeared to be in good health and told them she was just out walking for exercise.