KUALA LUMPUR: The father of artiste Adibah Noor, who died of cancer yesterday, was "totally unaware" of her battle with cancer.
Mohd Omar Zainal Abidin, 89, told Harian Metro Online: "Adibah never told me about her illness. Though I visited her in hospital when she underwent treatment, I thought that she had something minor. Alas, God loves her more."
Omar described Adibah, his third child, as an "exemplary daughter" full of love, generosity and kindness.
"She was never one to make her family members worried or troubled. Let's all pray that she be placed among the righteous."
Her remains were taken from her father's house in Taman Keramat to Masjid Al-Ansar in the same housing estate around 9am today.
She was buried at the Taman Keramat Islamic Cemetery, Ampang Jaya, at 11.30am.
More than 100 people — including artistes Datuk M. Nasir, Datuk Afdlin Shauki, Datuk Hans Isaac, Nikki Palikat, Suki Low, Remy Ishak, Nadiya Nissa, Ruzana Ibrahim, Liza Abdullah, Anuar Zain, Ziana Zain, Sharifah Amani, Saiful Apek, and Linda Onn — paid their last respects to Adibah.
Former Suria FM radio announcer Linda, who shared radio duties with Adibah, described her as someone with a "golden heart".
"Whenever we went out for a meal, she would secretly pay the bill for all of her friends.
"Adibah is one in a million, one of the most loving, compassionate people I've known."
She added that Adibah never took herself seriously, and always had good things to say about others.
"She wore her heart on her sleeve, truly an angel among friends."
Nasir described Adibah as a "strong and principled" person.
"She began as a back-up singer in my concerts, and she impressed me with her voice.
"Her good command of English helped many of us too."
He added that Adibah was disciplined and professional, and always maintained a wholesome image.
Suki, who described Adibah as a "loving big sister", said Adibah told her on social media that she was undergoing treatment.
"Both of us competed in 'Gegar Vaganza 8' and she gave me lots of tips. She was one of the most loving souls I've known. Losing her leaves a hole in my heart."
She added that Adibah's most important advice to her was to be herself.