Hollywood star George Clooney is mourning the loss of his older sister, Adelia "Ada" Zeidler, who has died at the age of 65 following a battle with cancer.
A Courageous Battle and a Brother's Tribute
The Ocean's 11 actor confirmed the sad news to People magazine, revealing she passed away on Friday. In a moving statement, Clooney described his sister as his personal hero. "My sister, Ada, was my hero," he said. "She faced down cancer with courage and humour. I've never met anyone so brave. Amal and I will miss her terribly."
According to her obituary, Zeidler died peacefully in Edgewood, Kentucky, surrounded by loved ones. A funeral service is scheduled for Monday, December 22, in the family's home state. The family has suggested memorial contributions be made to the Knoedler Memorial Library in Augusta.
The Life of Adelia 'Ada' Zeidler
Born in Los Angeles on May 2, 1960, to Nick Clooney and Nina Bruce Warren, Adelia led a life marked by creativity and community spirit. A talented artist and former elementary art teacher at Augusta Independent School, she was also a National Merit Scholar in high school.
Her passions extended to literature, where she connected with others through a local book club. She was an active member of the Augusta Art Guild and had the honour of serving as grand marshal for Augusta's Annual White Christmas Parade.
After studying in Louisville, Kentucky, she worked as a bookkeeper. She married retired army captain Norman Zeidler in 1987 in Augusta. Her younger brother, George, participated in the ceremony by reading scripture, while their famous aunt, singer Rosemary Clooney, performed at the reception. Norman sadly died of a heart attack in 2004.
A Private Life Amid Public Fame
Despite her brother's global celebrity status, Zeidler largely chose to remain out of the public spotlight. She maintained a close bond with George, attending his lavish 2014 wedding to human rights lawyer Amal Clooney in Venice.
In a 2012 interview, she shared a glimpse into their relationship, explaining she was cautious with his contact details for security reasons. "I wouldn't want to have it in my phone and then lose my phone," she told The Columbus Dispatch. "He can phone me, and he does occasionally, but email is more convenient for both of us."
She is survived by her parents, her children Nick Zeidler and Allison Zeidler Herolaga (and her husband Kenny), her brother George and his wife Amal, and several extended family members.
