Jim Carrey’s sister, Rita Carrey, has passed away just before her favorite holiday, leaving loved ones and fans mourning her loss. Her husband, Alex, shared the heartbreaking news through her Facebook page, reflecting on their cherished time together.

“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, he began his post. He shared that they had spent 16 years together before tying the knot in an outdoor wedding last July, a dream Rita had always cherished.

The couple had traveled the world during their time together, forging connections with people they came to call friends. Alex described Rita as his “best friend, lover, and beautiful wife,” emphasizing her generous spirit and devotion to helping others, even strangers.

He also highlighted Rita’s deep love for Christmas, calling it her “favorite holiday.” For Rita, it was a year-round celebration of joy and giving. To honor that love, Rita started a fundraiser to support a local charity, further exemplifying her kind and selfless nature.

To honor her memory, Alex invited family and friends to a candlelight vigil on December 7, 2024, at Heathcote Terrace in St. Catharines. Following the vigil, attendees are encouraged to join the “Christmas on the Terrace” public event in support of Gillian’s Place.

Donations in Rita’s memory, including non-perishable food, children’s clothing, toiletries, or unwrapped presents, can be made directly or at the event. Alex added an emotional tribute, expressing his gratitude for their journey together and the joy Rita brought to everyone she encountered.

“It’s been a wonderful and crazy journey with Rita. She filled everyone’s heart with joy with every step she took and I will never forget this beautiful and amazingly talented woman,” he wrote.

He concluded his post with a heartfelt farewell, “Goodbye my lover, goodbye my friend. Until we meet again. You really did have the time of your life.” He signed off as her “bestest friend and husband.” Alex’s touching tribute not only honored Rita’s memory but highlighted the deep bond they shared throughout their life together.

The couple often celebrated their love in simple, heartfelt moments. In September 2016, for Alex’s birthday, Rita shared a photo of them enjoying dinner in a private booth. She captioned it, “Having dinner in a private booth with my honey for his belated birthday.”

Their wedding in June 2023 was as unique as their love story. It was a neighborhood street party raising food donations for Community Care, complete with a surprise ceremony.

Surrounded by family, the festivities included a community barbecue, a pop-up stage for the ceremony, and a lively Serbian pig roast. True to her vibrant spirit, Rita even performed on stage, making the day unforgettable for everyone who attended.

While often recognized as Jim’s sister, Rita had made a name for herself. She nearly pursued a career as a professional ballerina but chose to stay close to her family, especially her father. Her talents extended far beyond dance; she was a gifted singer, a radio show co-host, and a producer.

Rita often shared moments of family togetherness on social media, reflecting her deep love for those closest to her. In a 2015 interview, Rita was asked whether being the sister of her famous brother, Jim, came with its challenges.

With her characteristic humor, she dismissed the idea. “No, it’s not hard,” she said, joking that her new name had become “JCS” for Jesus Christ Superstar because people often referred to her as “Jim Carrey’s sister.”

She admitted that being asked about Jim was a daily occurrence saying, “I’ve been asked for the last you know for the last 25 years about Jim every day of my life.” Rita said that whenever she met people, they would inevitably say, ‘You’re Jim Carrey’s sister,’ or, ‘You look like somebody I know.’” However, she made it clear that the constant attention didn’t bother her.

In June 2019, she posted a photo of a memorable evening with her brother Jim Carrey, musician Colin James, and late actor Peter Fonda, calling it “a memorable night” spent with some of her favorite artists.

A few months later, in November 2019, Rita shared another family photo featuring her siblings Pat, Jim, and John. She fondly described John as her protector and best friend growing up.

At the time, John was battling leukemia, and Rita expressed her heartbreak, sharing that he was not going to make it to celebrate Christmas with them that year. She asked for prayers, hoping he wouldn’t have to endure any more suffering. “Please send prayers his way that he won’t have to suffer anymore,” she wrote.

These posts revealed Rita’s enduring love for her family and her ability to find and share meaningful moments even in the face of hardship. She will be remembered for her infectious joy, her selflessness, and the countless lives she touched.