Kathy Nee started started “Chante's Heart,” a charitable organization that assembled 100 blessing bags filled with goods and hygiene products for homeless women in honor of her daughter's enthusiasm and love of life

Kathy Nee will always grieve the loss of her only child — the most devastating event in her life.

“When she passed...I didn't want to be here anymore. I didn't even get out of bed or anything,” said Nee of Butler.

Nee's daughter, Chante Elise Nee, 30, died Jan. 28, 2019, of fentanyl poisoning, a drug-induced homicide. Nee's dealer is in custody and awaiting trial.

One counselor gave Nee what she calls the best advice: finding meaning is crucial to your healing.

In the wake of the one-year anniversary of her daughter's death, Nee started “Chante's Heart,” a charitable organization that assembled 100 blessing bags filled with goods and hygiene products for homeless women in honor of her daughter's enthusiasm, love of life, compassion and acceptance of others.

This is an excerpt from a story that appears in Sunday's Butler Eagle.