George Clooney’s Sister Adelia “Ada” Zeidler Dies at 65: “I’ve Never Known Anyone So Brave”
George Clooney has shared a deeply emotional tribute following the death of his beloved older sister, Adelia “Ada” Zeidler, who passed away at the age of 65 after a courageous battle with cancer.
In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, Clooney reflected on the strength and spirit his sister showed throughout her illness.
“She faced down cancer with courage and humor,” he said. “I’ve never met anyone so brave. Amal and I will miss her terribly.”
A Peaceful Farewell Surrounded by Loved Ones
According to her obituary, Ada died “peacefully surrounded by the people she loved” on Friday, Dec. 19, at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Edgewood, Kentucky.
Born in Los Angeles on May 2, 1960, Ada was named after her great-grandmother and grew up in a family rooted in storytelling and the arts. She was the daughter of journalist and television host Nick Clooney and writer Nina Bruce Warren.
A Life of Talent, Compassion, and Community
Ada’s obituary describes her as a “talented artist” who shared her creativity by teaching elementary art at Augusta Independent School. During high school, her academic achievements earned her recognition as a National Merit Scholar, a reflection of her lifelong love for learning.
Her passion for reading led her to join a local book club, and she remained an active member of the Augusta Art Guild. She was also honored as a past grand marshal of Augusta’s Annual White Christmas Parade.
Ada later pursued studies in Louisville and Northern Kentucky before beginning a career as a bookkeeper.
A Wedding Filled With Family, Music, and Love
Ada married Norman Zeidler, a retired Army captain, on March 14, 1987, in Augusta, Kentucky. The wedding became a treasured community event, attended by family members and much of the small town.
During the ceremony, George Clooney read scripture, and their aunt — the legendary singer Rosemary Clooney — performed a romantic song for the newlyweds.
“The whole town helped with the wedding. We couldn’t have gotten through it without them,” Ada’s mother Nina once said.
Ada maintained a private life, rarely appearing in public, though she did attend George and Amal Clooney’s wedding in Venice on Sept. 27, 2014.
She was preceded in death by her husband Norman, who died of a heart attack on Oct. 11, 2004.
A Family Left With Love, Memory, and Legacy
Ada is survived by her children, Nick Zeidler and Allison Zeidler Herolaga, as well as Allison’s husband, Kenny. She also leaves behind her parents, her brother George Clooney, his wife Amal, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Her funeral will be held on Monday, Dec. 22. In lieu of flowers, her family suggests memorial donations be made to the Knoedler Memorial Library in Augusta — a nod to Ada’s lifelong love for reading and education.