A woman whose daughter has been missing for 19 years is being remembered as someone dedicated to her children.

Lorena Keepness, the mother of Tamra Keepness, died suddenly in late May.

Cowessess First Nation Chief Erica Beaudin spoke of the mother’s death during an annual barbecue in Regina marking the anniversary of the child’s disappearance.

Beaudin said Lorena Keepness had a complex and beautiful spirit.

The chief was speaking on behalf of the family, as they are in mourning over the loss of their mother.

Tamra vanished on July 5, 2004, when the five-year-old was last seen at her home in Regina.

Police and community members hold the annual barbecue to remind people the search continues.