Actor George Clooney is grieving the loss of his older sister, Adelia “Ada” Zeidler, who passed away at age 65 after a courageous battle with cancer on December 19. In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, Clooney honored her as his hero, praising her bravery and humor in facing the disease.
Ada Zeidler died peacefully surrounded by loved ones at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Edgewood, Kentucky, according to her obituary. Born in Los Angeles on May 2, 1960, she was a talented artist who shared her passion as an elementary art teacher at Augusta Independent School for several years. Her academic excellence in high school earned her the status of a National Merit Scholar, reflecting her intellectual curiosity and dedication.
Beyond her professional life, Ada was deeply involved in her community in Augusta, Kentucky. She was an active member of the local book club and the Augusta Art Guild, and she once served as the grand marshal of the town’s Annual White Christmas Parade. These roles highlighted her commitment to fostering arts and culture in her hometown.
In her personal life, Ada married Norman Zeidler, a retired army captain, in a ceremony in Augusta on March 14, 1987, with family and townsfolk participating. Tragically, Norman passed away from a heart attack in 2004, leaving Ada to raise their two children, Nick Zeidler and Allison Zeidler Herolaga. She is survived by her children, her parents Nick and Nina Clooney, and her brother George.
Despite her brother’s global fame, Ada maintained a private life, rarely making public appearances. However, she shared a close bond with George, attending his wedding to human rights lawyer Amal Clooney in Venice in 2014. In a past interview, she mentioned that for security reasons, she did not keep his phone number, relying instead on email for their communications.
George Clooney’s tribute emphasized Ada’s resilience, stating, “She faced down cancer with courage and humor. I’ve never met anyone so brave.” His wife Amal also joins in mourning, as expressed in his statement. The loss is felt deeply by the Clooney family, especially during the holiday season.
A funeral mass for Ada Zeidler is scheduled for December 22, with memorials suggested to the Knoedler Memorial Library in Augusta. This gesture aligns with her love for reading and community service, ensuring her legacy continues to benefit others.
The news of Ada’s death has drawn attention to the personal lives of celebrities, reminding the public of the universal experiences of loss and family bonds. As George Clooney and his family navigate this difficult time, his heartfelt words serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of sibling love and admiration.
