KOTA KINABALU: Toh Puan Rahimah Stephens was laid to rest at the Kg Likas Muslim cemetery here, according to her daughter Fauziah Stephens.

       The funeral was done in the presence of close family members on Monday (March 14) afternoon.

       The 91-year-old Rahimah, the widow of Sabah's first chief minister and third state governor, Tun Fuad Stephens, died early Monday after she suffered a heart attack at a private hospital.

       She was initially hospitalised over the weekend after she suffered a fall at home here.

       Condolences from the King to state and national leaders continued to pour in following her death.

       In extending his condolences, former Sabah chief minister Tan Sri Musa Aman said Sabah had lost a "strong, gracious woman of remarkable character."

       He said Rahimah pioneered women’s role in public service as the first Sabah woman cabinet minister under then Parti Berjaya state cabinet (1976-85).

       "Toh Puan was humble and kind yet resilient despite having faced so many challenges including the tragic death of her husband Tun Fuad Stephens," Musa said referring to the Double Six tragedy that killed Fuad and senior cabinet ministers on June 6, 1976.

       "Her strength in character is equally matched by her zest for life reflected by her love for dancing ripe into her golden years.

       "I had the privilege of knowing this classy lady who was very comfortable in telling me her concerns and wishes for Sabah. At the end of each conversation, she would say -Take care of Sabah, Musa,” said Musa, who led the state government from 2003 -18.

       Earlier on Monday, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor also paid his respects to Rahimah and extended his condolences to the family at their home here.