Michele Reidenbach, of Harmony, near the time of her 1981 disappearance at age 16.

Monday, Sept. 22, marks 44 years since the disappearance of a teenage girl while on break from her after-school job in Zelienople.

Michele Reidenbach was 16 years old when she disappeared Sept. 22, 1981, while on break from her job at Mel-Den Appliance store on South Main Street. The former Seneca Valley High School student would be 60 years old if found today.

Trooper Max DeLuca of the Pennsylvania State Police Butler barracks is the lead investigator on the case. Attempts to reach him were unsuccessful.

Reidenbach was taken to work after school by a friend and went on break around 4 p.m., according to previous reports. She reportedly walked about half a block to Rite Aid while on break to pick up cold medicine.

Police said she made it to Rite Aid but did not return to work.

According to previous reports, an employee of a nearby business saw Reidenbach in the parking lot of Super Duper Market, which was adjacent to her workplace.

Reidenbach’s mother reported her missing around 9 a.m. Sept. 23, 1981. Her parents and boyfriend at the time of her disappearance have since died.

She was last seen wearing blue jeans, a wine-colored V-neck sweater and a gold necklace with a knot pendant.

According to previous reporting, it did not appear Reidenbach ran away. Her personal items at home were undisturbed, and her purse and schoolbooks were left at work.

The case remains open.

Tips regarding Reidenbach’s disappearance can still be submitted to state police by calling 724-284-8100, or by using the Pennsylvania Crime Stopper’s website, crimewatchpa.com.