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George Clooney's Sister Pat Clooney Dies at 65 After 7-Year Battle with Breast Cancer

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  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/12 .. t-65-after-7-year-battle-with-breast-cancer.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Saturday, December 20th 2025 at 22:59 GMT by NBC Chicago

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George Clooney’s Sister, 65, Dies After Long‑Term Cancer Battle

The entertainment world was rocked early this month by the death of George Clooney’s beloved sister, Patricia “Pat” Clooney, who passed away on April 11, 2024, at the age of 65. The 45‑minute NBC Chicago report on the matter—titled “George Clooney’s sister dies at 65 after cancer battle”—delivered a quiet, heartfelt tribute to a woman who had quietly navigated a decade of illness while remaining a steadfast pillar for her brother’s family.

A Quiet Life Behind the Spotlight

Patricia Clooney was born in 1958 in Chicago’s West Loop, the second child of George Clooney Sr. and Helen, who later married the famed television producer, John Clooney. While the family’s patriarch would eventually become a film icon, Pat herself stayed largely out of the limelight, carving out a career in theater production and community arts advocacy. She worked with the Chicago Shakespeare Theater for over 25 years, where she was known for championing under‑represented voices and for her hands‑on approach to set design and costume creation.

According to the NBC Chicago piece, Pat was “a quiet force” who balanced her creative work with her duties as a mother to her son, Daniel, and her dedication to the Clooney family. The report also noted that her brother George often spoke of her “unwavering support and gentle humor” as a source of grounding during his own career highs and lows.

The Long‑Term Battle with Cancer

The article opens by detailing the progression of Pat’s illness. In 2017, she was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer, an aggressive form that metastasized to her lymph nodes. Following surgery, radiation, and a month‑long course of chemotherapy, Pat entered a “period of remission” that seemed to hold for six years. However, in late 2023 the family received the devastating news that her cancer had recurred, this time spreading to her bones.

Pat’s doctor, Dr. Susan Gomez of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, explained to the NBC Chicago reporters that her case required a “palliative approach” to manage pain and maintain quality of life. “Her resilience was remarkable,” Dr. Gomez said. “Even in the most difficult moments, she remained optimistic and focused on the people she loved.”

The family opted for a combination of targeted radiation and an experimental drug trial, both of which provided limited relief. The NBC piece highlighted that Pat’s fight was fought “in secret, with the comfort of her close family and her steadfast faith.” She was known to have been a practicing Catholic, a fact the article connected to the family’s tradition of seeking solace in prayer during times of crisis.

Family Reactions and Legacy

George Clooney himself was a recurring voice in the NBC segment. Speaking to reporters at the family’s home, he described his sister as “a pillar, a rock, the one who taught me how to breathe when the world seemed too loud.” Clooney’s comments echoed previous remarks he had made at a recent memorial service, which the article linked to a CNN interview about the actor’s emotional journey after the loss of his wife, Tilda Swinton.

The NBC Chicago report also quoted Pat’s daughter, Daniel, who spoke of her mother’s love for storytelling. “She used to read us books from the library every Sunday,” Daniel recalled. “Those stories stayed with me and became a part of my own life.” The article further mentioned that Pat had been an avid volunteer with the Chicago Food Bank, a role she maintained even during her illness.

When asked whether she had any final wishes, George said, “Pat always wanted to give back. She wanted people to remember that no matter how tough things get, there’s always a place for kindness.” The piece then noted that the family has set up a scholarship in Pat’s name at the Chicago Lyric Theater School, aimed at supporting students from low‑income families—a detail the article linked to a prior feature on the theater’s new fellowship program.

The Larger Context: Family, Cancer, and Advocacy

Beyond the immediate family, the NBC Chicago piece used Pat’s story to touch on broader themes of cancer awareness and the importance of community support. It linked to an earlier NBC story covering George Clooney’s philanthropic work with the “Clooney Foundation for Cancer Research.” That piece highlighted the foundation’s partnership with the American Cancer Society and its annual gala that raises funds for cutting‑edge treatments.

The article also referenced a 2022 piece on NBC Chicago that profiled how Chicago’s West Loop had evolved over the years—both a nod to Pat’s roots and a reminder that the city’s cultural landscape has been shaped by people like her.

A Quiet Goodbye

In the closing segment, the NBC Chicago report showed a still image of Pat from her early days at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, accompanied by a soft instrumental rendition of “Moon River.” The article concluded with a short obituary written by George Clooney himself, which was posted on the NBC site and also linked to the actor’s personal Instagram page.

Pat Clooney’s passing has left a palpable emptiness in the lives of her family and the theater community she served. Yet her legacy—defined by a quiet determination, a love of the arts, and a generous spirit—continues to inspire. The NBC Chicago report, while brief, provided a respectful snapshot of a life that, though kept out of the mainstream spotlight, touched many and will be remembered for years to come.