Adelia Clooney Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Cause of Death, Young, Children, Husband, Family
Adelia “Ada” Zeidler (née Clooney) was the older sister of actor George Clooney and the daughter of journalist Nick Clooney and writer Nina Bruce Warren. Born on May 2, 1960, in Los Angeles, she lived a largely private life in Augusta, Kentucky, choosing a path centered on education and her local community rather than the Hollywood spotlight. She passed away at the age of 65 on December 19, 2025, following a long battle with cancer.
Throughout her life, Ada was recognized for her academic and creative talents. She was a National Merit Scholar in high school and later dedicated her career to the arts and education, serving as an elementary school art teacher at Augusta Independent School for several years. In addition to her teaching, she worked as a bookkeeper and was deeply involved in local cultural activities, including the Augusta Art Guild and a neighborhood book club. She was a well-respected figure in her town, even serving as the grand marshal of Augusta’s Annual White Christmas Parade.
In her personal life, she was married to Norman Zeidler, a retired U.S. Army captain, from 1987 until his death in 2004. Together, they had two children, Nicholas and Allison. Despite her brother’s global fame, Ada maintained a grounded lifestyle in Kentucky, though she remained close to her family. She was famously seen supporting George at his 2014 wedding to Amal Clooney in Venice.
Following her passing, George Clooney released a heartfelt statement describing his sister as his “hero.” He praised her for facing her illness with “courage and humor,” noting that he had never met anyone so brave. Her family and community remember her as a compassionate educator and a talented artist who left a significant impact on those around her.
Quick Profile: Adelia Clooney At a Glance
Early Life and Family Heritage
Adelia Clooney was born on May 2, 1960, in Los Angeles, California. She was the first child of Nick Clooney, a highly respected journalist and television host, and Nina Bruce Warren, a former beauty queen and writer. Born into a family where public service and media were the “family business,” Adelia was named after her great-grandmother, a nod to the deep family traditions the Clooneys cherished.
While she was born in the heart of the entertainment industry, her upbringing was firmly rooted in the Midwest. In 1966, the family moved to Kentucky as Nick Clooney’s career in broadcast journalism flourished. The siblings spent their formative years in various locations, including Lexington and Mason, before eventually settling in Augusta, Kentucky, in the mid-1970s.
The Bond with George Clooney
Only a year apart in age, Adelia and George shared a classic sibling dynamic. Family anecdotes often paint a picture of a typical childhood; their mother once recalled returning home to find the pair had hosted a secret party and covered the kitchen walls with cooked marshmallows. Despite George’s eventual rise to fame, the two remained incredibly close. Adelia was a constant, stabilizing force in George’s life, and he often sought her counsel and company away from the cameras.
Academic Excellence and Education
From a young age, Adelia was recognized for her sharp intellect. During her high school years in Kentucky, her academic performance was exemplary, earning her the prestigious distinction of being a National Merit Scholar.
She pursued higher education with the same vigor, attending college in Louisville and later in Northern Kentucky. Her educational background was diverse, blending a love for the arts with a practical understanding of business and numbers—skills she would later utilize in her dual careers as a teacher and a bookkeeper.
Professional Career: A Life Dedicated to Art and Community
Adelia Clooney’s professional life was defined by her desire to give back. Rather than seeking a career in the public eye, she focused on nurturing the next generation through education.
The “Art Teacher” of Augusta
For many years, Adelia served as the elementary art teacher at Augusta Independent School. In this role, she was beloved by students for her ability to inspire creativity and her patient, encouraging demeanor. She didn’t just teach children how to draw or paint; she taught them how to see the world through an artistic lens.
Bookkeeping and Local Leadership
In addition to her work in the classroom, Adelia worked as a professional bookkeeper. Her community involvement extended to the Augusta Art Guild, where she helped promote local artisans, and the Knoedler Memorial Library, where she frequently volunteered. Her impact on the town was so significant that she was once selected as the Grand Marshal of Augusta’s Annual White Christmas Parade, a major local honor.
Personal Life: Marriage and Children
In 1987, Adelia married Norman Zeidler, a retired U.S. Army captain. Their wedding was a true community event in Augusta; George Clooney read the scripture during the ceremony, and their aunt, the legendary singer Rosemary Clooney, performed for the newlyweds at the reception.
The couple had two children together:
-
Nicholas “Nick” Zeidler
-
Allison Zeidler Herolaga (who later married Kenny Herolaga)
Adelia faced a significant personal tragedy on October 11, 2004, when Norman passed away suddenly from a heart attack. Following his death, Adelia remained a devoted mother, raising her children in Kentucky and maintaining the private, family-oriented lifestyle she had always preferred.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
While there is often speculation about the “Adelia Clooney net worth,” her life was characterized by a lack of interest in material wealth. Unlike her brother, whose net worth is estimated in the hundreds of millions, Adelia lived a modest and comfortable life in Kentucky. Her income was derived from her career as a teacher and bookkeeper.
She famously avoided the “celebrity lifestyle.” In a 2012 interview, she mentioned that she didn’t even keep George’s direct phone number saved in her phone in case she lost it, preferring to communicate via email. This level of caution and humility defined her relationship with her brother’s fame.
Passing and Tributes (December 2025)
The world was saddened to learn of Adelia’s passing on Friday, December 19, 2025. She died at the age of 65 at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Edgewood, Kentucky, following a long and private battle with cancer.
Her funeral was held on Monday, December 22, 2025, in her beloved town of Augusta, where residents gathered to honor a woman who had been a quiet but steady light in their community for decades.
Conclusion
The “Adelia Clooney Biography” is not just a story of a famous man’s sister; it is the chronicle of a woman who lived life on her own terms. Adelia “Ada” Zeidler chose impact over fame, community over celebrity, and family over everything. Through her work as a National Merit Scholar, a dedicated teacher, and a loving mother, she left behind a legacy that will be felt in the halls of Augusta Independent School and the hearts of her family for generations to come.
FAQs
Who was Adelia Clooney?
Adelia “Ada” Zeidler (née Clooney) was the older sister of actor George Clooney and a dedicated elementary art teacher in Kentucky.
When was Adelia Clooney born?
She was born on May 2, 1960, in Los Angeles, California.
Did Adelia Clooney pass away?
Yes, Adelia Clooney passed away on December 19, 2025, at the age of 65, after a battle with cancer.
What was Adelia Clooney’s profession?
She was an elementary school art teacher, a bookkeeper, and an active community volunteer in Augusta, Kentucky.
Who was Adelia Clooney’s husband?
She was married to Norman Zeidler, a retired U.S. Army captain, from 1987 until his death in 2004.
How many children did Adelia Clooney have?
She had two children: Nicholas Zeidler and Allison Zeidler Herolaga.
