Jim Carrey‘s older sister Rita has died, her husband confirmed in a shock Facebook post on Friday.
The post from her partner Alex read: ‘It is with heavy heart and my deepest sadness, surrounded by her family and friends Rita passed away peacefully and quietly on November 14 2024.
‘Rita and I have been together for 16 years and we just got married last year in July in an outdoor wedding that she has always wanted
‘Rita always had a loving soul and wanted to help everyone even total strangers. As everyone knows Christmas was Rita’s favorite holiday actually it was everyday for her and she started a fundraiser to help a local charity.
He added that both ‘family and friends are invited to attend a candlelight vigil in Rita’s memory on December 7 2024 on Heathcote Terrace in St. Catharines.’
Jim Carrey’s older sister Rita has died, her husband confirmed in a shock Facebook post on Friday
Rita is pictured with Jim and her siblings John and Patricia – John died in 2019 aged 60
The post from her partner Alex read: ‘It is with heavy heart and my deepest sadness, surrounded by her family and friends Rita passed away peacefully and quietly on November 14 2024’
‘Following the vigil everyone is encouraged to attend the Christmas on the Terrace public event in support of Gillian’s place.Donations in Rita’s memory can be made to Gillian’s place directly or at the event Non-perishable food, children’s clothing, toiletry items or unwrapped children’s presents are encouraged.
‘It’s been a wonderful and crazy journey with Rita.’
‘Goodbye my lover. Goodbye my friend. Until we meet again. You really did have the Time of your life.” Your bestest friend and husband, Alex.’
Rita was born in Canada to parents Kathleen and Percy Carrey, and raised with her three siblings, John, Patricia and youngest, Jim.
In 2019 John died aged 60 from aplastic anemia.
She worked as a radio host for 91.7 Giant FM in Hamilton, Canada and public speaker.
In 2005 Rita suffered the tragic loss of her son Marty Fournier aged 25 in a road accident.
She chronicled her grief in book Growing Up Carrey – which celebrated her son’s life as well her upbringing with her famous brother.
She wrote: ‘When I look back at it, I didn’t realize we were really homeless. I just thought we were camping. My parents made it a good time. That’s what life was like.” The book may be out by next spring.’
Rita was steadfastly proud of Jim and called him ‘the world’s greatest actor and comedian’
Rita is pictured with The Truman Show star Jim, Colin James and Peter Fonda
In 2005 Rita suffered the tragic loss of her son Marty Fournier aged 25 in a road accident
She worked as a radio host for 91.7 Giant FM in Hamilton, Canada and public speaker
Brian Salmon, Rita’s former radio co-host at 91.7 Giant FM, also paid tribute to the late radio personality to TMZ, calling Rita a ‘tremendously generous person.’
He said she ‘rarely bragged about her Hollywood connections, but would often collect props from her famous brother’s films to auction off to charity.’
She also performed in a classic rock band and opened for acts including April Wine and Honeymoon Suite.
The Truman Show star Jim dedicated his New York Times best-seller Memoirs and Misinformation to his brother, John after his death in 2019.
On the Daily Show Carrey said: ‘I wanted to let the world know I had a very special brother.
‘He was on death’s door from the time he was 4 years old until 60.
‘He raised a beautiful family, and he created gorgeous, gorgeous opportunities and a beautiful aura around him and his family. He was a very dedicated father..