Bowls club in Sydney's west mourns after grisly discovery of woman's body

Helen Dawson was meant to catch up with friends over lawn bowls at a western Sydney club yesterday.

Instead a close friend arrived at her Toongabbie home to find her body inside.

Police have remained tight-lipped about what contributed to Ms Dawson's death, only saying it is suspicious.

It is understood investigators are looking at whether it's a domestic-related incident.

Ms Dawson, aged in her 70s, lived around the corner from the Toongabbie Sports and Bowling Club, where she was an avid player.

It is understood her friend, also a Toongabbie bowls club member, went to pick Ms Dawson up from her Paris Lane home when she made the grim discovery.

When the devoted lawn-bowls player didn't turn up to Thursday's social day in Wentworthville, fellow bowlers took note.

"She didn't turn up and we thought it was quite strange," one bowler told AAP.

Christine Cooper paid tribute to Ms Dawson on social media.

"Very sad day for us all to learn about the tragic death of Helen Dawson, will be missed by so many," she wrote.

Inspector Robert Tointon told reporters yesterday the investigation was "in its infancy" and would not comment on whether Ms Dawson was found with injuries.