Despard was last seen in Olean, New York on February 7, 1984. She was separated from her husband and living with her mother and daughter on north Clinton Street, taking classes at Jamestown Community College. Her husband was in California.

On the day of her disappearance, at 5:00 p.m., Despard left her mother's home with a male acquaintance. They were going to his residence to swap stereo components. Despard's friend said they didn't go there after all; instead, they went to the Olean Mall for a cup of coffee. He said Despard met with friends at the mall and he left her there at 6:00 p.m. Despard's friend was considered a person of interest in her disappearance for some months afterward. He committed suicide later in 1984.

Despard's loved ones don't believe she left of her own accord. She was fighting with her husband for custody of their daughter, and her family doesn't believe she would have missed her court date. She is the oldest of seven children and was close to her relatives, especially her mother. Her sister adopted and raised Despard's daughter after her disappearance. Her husband has remarried. Despard's disappearance remains unsolved and foul play is suspected.