AUGUSTA, Kentucky — The sister of renowned actor George Clooney, Adelia Zeidler, succumbed to cancer on Friday. Her passing was noted at the age of 65.

Known affectionately as Ada, Zeidler’s obituary reflects that she departed “peacefully surrounded by the people she loved.”

While George Clooney has chosen not to make a public statement, he did share his thoughts with PEOPLE.

“My sister, Ada, was my hero,” Clooney expressed. “She faced down cancer with courage and humor. I’ve never met anyone so brave. Amal and I will miss her terribly.”

Zeidler was an elementary art teacher at Augusta Independent School in Kentucky for many years, according to her obituary. 

She also led a local book club and was a member of the Augusta Art Guild and former  grand marshal of Augusta’s Annual White Christmas Parade. 

Zeidler is survived by her parents Nick and Nina (née Warren) Clooney, brother George Clooney, husband Kenny, children Nick Zeidler and Allison Zeidler Herolaga and other family members, according to her obituary.