Veteran Malay film actress Mariani or Mariam Ismail died of colon cancer last night at her house in Taman Kosmo Jaya, Sentul in Kuala Lumpur.

The 82-year-old succumbed to the disease at 7.32pm.

Her youngest child, Melissa Saila, 43, said Mariani who suffered from colon cancer a year ago, was unconscious for several hours.

“When she woke up at 6am today, I saw tears trickling down her cheeks and took a tissue and wipe them.

“Mummy could still talk two days ago,” the actress told reporters in Kuala Lumpur today.

Melissa, who was beside Mariani until she died, said she also met with some of her children who arrived from Singapore this morning.

“Despite the pain, Mummy remained strong and did not show it. In fact, two months ago, she went for a film shoot and looked happy,” she added.

Mariani’s remains will be taken to Masjid Al-Hidayah for prayers tomorrow at 9am, and then buried at the Jalan Ampang Muslim cemetery before zohor prayers.

Meanwhile, third child Siti Haslinda, 63, said Mariani was strong despite knowing she would not live long and was always cheerful.

“I am happy to have had the opportunity to care for Mummy until her death,” she added.

Mariani is the elder sister of the late Saloma and acted together with the late P Ramlee in many films.

Mariani’s first film was ‘Chemburu’ (Jealousy) in 1952, followed by ‘Istana Impian’, ‘Labu Labi’, ‘Nasib Labu-Labi’ and ‘Tiga Abdul’.

Mariani, who starred in over 30 films was awarded the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the 2013 Malaysian Film Festival.

She was married three times and had 13 children.

Meanwhile, actor Sabri Yunus said Mariani was firm and committed to her job and her death was a big loss to the country’s film industry.

“She was a nice and dedicated person. If there were things that she did not like, she would voice them out,” he told reporters.

Among those who came to offer condolences to her family were Norlia Ghani, Dian P Ramlee, Aziz M Osman and Amran AR Tompel.

- Bernama