By JANE STEVENSON -- Celtic music act The Rankin Family lost their mother, Kaye Rankin, to cancer last week after a long battle with the disease.

A funeral was held on Sunday in the family's hometown of Mabou, Cape Breton, and the group's record company said any condolences can be made in donations to the Canadian Cancer Society.

In addition to being the mother of 12, Kaye Rankin was also a great supporter of the five siblings that make up the musical group, managing their fan club.

Roy Thomson Hall has confirmed that Jimmy Rankin, who was scheduled to perform at the Celtic Christmas concerts there on Thursday and Friday night, has cancelled those appearances.