Suffering a combination of heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, Pensri died without knowing her life-partner was deceased. She was 78.

Her husband Suwat Wora-dilok, also a National Artist, passed away on April 15. He was 84. The couple had no children of their own, but adopted a child, Chatrachai. The religious rite for Pensri will be held at Wat Mongkut's Sala 15 until May 18.

Chatrachai said: "We'll arrange five days for the religious rite. After, we'll keep her body together with dad [Suwat]. It was his wish to have them cremated together, as he once said the body of the first to die should wait to be created with the other."

Born Pongsri in Phitsan-ulok province, she started entering singing contests at the age of eight. By the age of 12 she had made a record and had changed her name to "Pensri".

She later received singing training from Ves Sunthorn-jamorn and Eur Sunthorn-sanan, head of the band of the then Public Communications Department (PR Department). With continuous improvement she became one of the top pop singers in the 40s and 50s.

For over five decades, Pensri was regarded as a singer with one of the greatest voices.

Culture Minister Khunying Khaisri Sri-aroon said. "I've been a great fan of hers since I was young. I still remember many of her songs such as 'Sakultala', 'Man Sai Yoi' and 'Rampan Sawad'. Her voice was so great and she had perfect pronunciation."

Pensri was named a national artist in the performing art category in 1991. She possessed a profound understanding of the necessity to create harmony between melodies and the meaning of songs. And she had a very beautiful voice.

She achieved both big record sales and awards but the chance to sing songs written by His Majesty the King were her greatest pride. Pensri was the first singer selected for that honour, in 1947, when she sang "Sai Fod".