Adelia “Ada” Zeidler, the elder sister of renowned actor and filmmaker George Clooney, has died at the age of 65 after a prolonged battle with cancer. She passed away on December 19, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Edgewood, Kentucky, with family members by her side.
Born on May 2, 1960, in Kentucky, Ada Zeidler lived much of her life away from the spotlight, dedicating herself to education, art, and community service. While her brother went on to achieve international fame, Zeidler chose a quieter but deeply impactful path, spending many years as an elementary school art teacher in Augusta, Kentucky. Former students and colleagues often remembered her as a patient mentor who encouraged creativity and self-expression in young minds.
Beyond the classroom, Zeidler was an active presence in the local arts scene. She was a committed member of the Augusta Art Guild and frequently participated in community exhibitions and cultural events. Her contributions were widely recognized, including her role as a past grand marshal of Augusta’s Annual White Christmas Parade, an honor reflecting her strong ties to the town and its traditions.
Despite her private lifestyle, Zeidler shared a close bond with her famous brother. The two grew up together in Augusta and remained in regular contact throughout their lives. George Clooney and his wife, Amal, were said to be deeply affected by her passing, remembering her as a source of strength, kindness, and inspiration within the family.
Zeidler’s personal life was marked by resilience and devotion to family. She married retired Army Captain Norman Zeidler in 1987; he died in 2004. In later years, she rebuilt her life while continuing to prioritize her children and community. She is survived by her children, Nick Zeidler and Allison Zeidler Herolaga, her husband Kenny, and extended family members including George and Amal Clooney.
Friends describe Ada Zeidler as warm, thoughtful, and quietly influential-a woman whose impact was felt most strongly by those who knew her personally. Her legacy lives on through her artwork, her former students, and the close-knit community she helped shape over decades.
