Anne Nolan, one of Linda Nolan’s sisters, has paid tribute to the late star following the news of her death on January 15.
She described her “heartache and loss” after the death of her sister who she said “found humour in life’s darkest corners”.
Their sister Coleen Nolan concurred that her “wit, humour and laughter was infectious”.
The Irish singer, who performed with her sisters Coleen, Maureen, Bernie, Denise and Anne in family group The Nolans, died “peacefully” surrounded by her family on Wednesday, in a hospital in Blackpool.
The 65-year-old had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and given the all-clear in 2011 but she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2017.
In 2020, it had spread and by 2023 it was in her brain.
Anne Nolan shares tribute to sister Linda on Instagram
Taking to Instagram, Anne said: “Words cannot describe the heartache and loss I am feeling at the passing of my third youngest sister @thelindanolan today”.
She added: “The most generous, loving, beautiful, annoying at times, helpful, brave, forthright, person I know.
“…You found humour in life’s darkest corners.
“The world was a better place because you were in it. To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die. I will love you and miss you until we meet again my wonderful sister.”
Anne said her sister had spent her last two days in the Medical Enhanced Care Unit (MECU) at Victoria Hospital Blackpool where the staff went “above and beyond and made what was a traumatic and heartbreaking time for our family and friends, 100% easier by their professionalism, kindness and caring”.
Manager Dermot McNamara confirmed Linda was admitted to hospital over the weekend with double pneumonia, before going into a coma and end-of-life care on Tuesday “surrounded by her devoted family”.
Loose Women panellist Coleen also expressed the devastation she felt over the death of her sister who she called a “beacon of love, kindness, and strength”.
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“Her wit, humour and laughter was infectious, her presence could light up any room,” she wrote in a post on Instagram.
She added: “Linda had a heart full of compassion and always knew how to bring comfort and joy to those around her.
“Her memory will live on in the many lives she touched, and while we will miss her more than words can express, we take solace in the love and warmth she shared with all of us.”
Celebrities including Myleene Klass, Jake Quickenden, Jo O’Meara and star Cheryl Baker were among those who sent their support to the Nolan family following their loss.