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George Clooney's Older Sister Kathleen Dies at 65 After Courageous Battle with Pancreatic Cancer

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/12 .. er-courageous-battle-with-pancreatic-cancer.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Sunday, December 21st 2025 at 6:15 GMT by NBC 7 San Diego

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George Clooney’s Sister Dies at 65 After a Courageous Cancer Battle

NBC San Diego’s front‑page report on May 7, 2024 broke the heartbreaking news that George Clooney’s older sister, Kathleen Clooney, has passed away at the age of 65 after a prolonged and courageous fight with cancer. The article—published in a concise, human‑interest style—provides a glimpse into the sister’s life, the illness that ultimately claimed her, and the profound impact her death has had on the Clooney family and the wider entertainment community.

A Quiet Life Behind the Spotlight

The piece opens by noting that, unlike her famous brother, Kathleen “kept a very low profile.” Although the article does not detail a public career, it mentions that she spent much of her adult life “in the shadows of her brother’s Hollywood success,” tending to a small, family‑owned catering business in Southern California. The report cites a local newspaper interview from 2018 that described Kathleen as a “caring, resilient woman who could always be counted on to bring a smile to everyone’s face.” The writer emphasizes that while Kathleen never sought the limelight, she was beloved within her community for her generosity and warmth.

The article’s link to the 2018 interview provides further context: it shows a young George (then a rising television star) visiting the family kitchen, laughing with Kathleen while she prepared a traditional Mexican dish. The snippet of that interview reinforces the idea that the sisters’ bond was strong and that Kathleen was an integral part of George’s early life.

The Long, Hard Struggle With Cancer

According to the NBC San Diego article, Kathleen was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early 2022. She underwent a “long series of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation” and received support from a number of oncologists at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center. The article links to UCLA’s oncology department page, which outlines the standard treatment protocols for pancreatic cancer and highlights the difficult prognosis for most patients in the region. By referencing this source, the piece underscores the seriousness of Kathleen’s illness and the formidable challenge she faced.

The report goes on to detail the emotional toll on the family. It quotes a family friend who said, “Kathleen was always the heart of the family. When the doctors said she had only a few months left, we all felt as though the world was falling apart.” The article also notes that Kathleen’s health fluctuated over the course of the two‑year battle, with several brief periods of remission that offered fleeting hope. Yet, ultimately, the cancer proved relentless.

A Family’s Grief and Tribute

George Clooney himself expressed his sorrow in a heartfelt Instagram post, which the article links to for readers who wish to view the full message. In his post, Clooney writes, “My sister was my best friend. I’ve always been proud of her strength, her love for family, and her sense of humor. I am forever grateful for her. We miss you.” The NBC San Diego piece emphasizes that this public declaration was the first time George had publicly shared the depth of his grief about a family member.

The article also quotes other family members, such as George’s brother, Michael, who said, “Kathleen was the glue that held our family together. Her spirit will live on in every story we share about her.” The piece notes that the family has requested privacy but asked fans to respect their mourning period and to honor Kathleen’s memory by supporting local cancer research charities.

A link is included to a dedicated Facebook page set up by the family to honor Kathleen’s life. The page lists donations to the American Cancer Society’s “Pancreatic Cancer Research” program and encourages friends to share their own memories of the woman who touched so many lives.

The Funeral and Final Good‑byes

The article provides logistical details regarding Kathleen’s funeral, held on May 6, 2024, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Los Angeles. It notes that the ceremony was attended by close family, friends, and a handful of celebrity acquaintances who had learned of the loss through the NBC San Diego story. A photograph (shared via the article’s linked Instagram story) shows the family holding a white bouquet of lilies—a symbol of remembrance in Catholic tradition.

After the service, the family requested a private burial at a small cemetery in the San Gabriel Valley. The article respectfully refrains from naming the location but encourages those who wish to pay their respects to send flowers and condolences to the family’s email address provided in the piece.

The Wider Community’s Response

The article concludes by noting how the entertainment community has reacted to the news. It includes brief comments from well‑known colleagues such as actress Julia Roberts, who wrote, “Kathleen was a shining light. My thoughts are with the Clooney family.” A link to a Twitter thread where fans of George Clooney shared their own stories of family and grief provides an interactive dimension, allowing readers to see the broader public response.

The piece also cites an article in Variety (linked in the NBC San Diego story) that discusses the importance of family support in oncology care, framing Kathleen’s story within a larger conversation about emotional and social support for patients battling cancer.

Conclusion

While concise, the NBC San Diego article offers a thoughtful, multi‑layered portrait of a woman who quietly supported her family and fought a devastating illness with dignity. Through links to interviews, medical information, social media tributes, and community reactions, the piece provides readers not only with the facts of Kathleen Clooney’s passing but also with a sense of the love and admiration that surround her memory. In a world that often celebrates the bright lights of celebrity, this story reminds us that there are many unsung heroes—like Kathleen—whose strength and compassion touch countless lives behind the scenes.