Dozens of people gathered on the steps of the Alberta legislature Tuesday night for a candlelight vigil to mourn the death of Betty Anne Gagnon, a developmentally-disabled woman who died last year.

The 48-year-old woman was living with her sister and brother-in-law in rural Strathcona County, east of Edmonton, when she was found dead outside a Tempo gas station on Wye Road in November 2009.

Denise Margaret Scriven, 44, and Michael Lee Scriven, 30, both of Strathcona County, have been charged with manslaughter, unlawful confinement, failure to provide the necessities of life, conspiracy to commit extortion and assault in Gagnon's death.

Police say Gagnon had been badly abused, and at times was locked in the basement or put in a cage in the backyard.

The couple, who are free on bail, were scheduled to make a first appearance in a Sherwood Park provincial court on July 7, but their lawyer appeared instead on their behalf.

Helps with healing process: former caregiver

Sue Thomas, who lived with Gagnon for 14 years in Calgary as a government-sanctioned supportive roommate before Gagnon decided to move in with the Scrivens, said the vigil helped loved ones deal with the loss.

"Just to know that Betty Anne is remembered in such a wonderful way, even by people who didn't know her, but she had an impact on their life," Thomas said.

"And I know they all share her suffering as well, and it helps us get through this just knowing there are people out there who care."

Thomas said she hopes the vigil will bring attention to the needs of developmentally-disabled Albertans.