Magistrate Mark Douglass handed down his findings yesterday, stating that while the manner and cause of her death was unknown, it was suspicious.

The finding states that Ms Pajuczok, a 53-year-old grandmother from Eden, died on or about December 23-24, 2008, in the vicinity of Rockton.

"Sylvia's death occurred in suspicious circumstances," he said.

Her death will be the subject of an active and ongoing police investigation, he said.

Ms Pajuczok's daughter, Belinda Hillier, of Sydney, spoke to the Bombala Times outside Bombala Court yesterday.

"On behalf of the family I would like to say that it is a surreal feeling to hear that Mum has been declared deceased," Ms Hillier, fighting back tears, said.

"It is our hope that this finding will open the eyes of the people of the Bombala area, that something terribly out of place has taken place very near this town.

"We ask that this will serve as a warning to you all, to take care of yourselves and your families.

"We never thought that this could happen to Mum, you may not think that it could happen to you," she said.

Magistrate Douglass praised the work of the detectives who he said had left no stone unturned.

He sympathised with the family, saying he wished he could have provided them with more answers.