SEATTLE (BN24) — Jackie Bezos, the mother of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and co-founder of the Bezos Family Foundation, has died at the age of 78 after a years-long fight with Lewy body dementia, her family confirmed Thursday.
The foundation announced her death in a statement, describing her as a devoted mother whose life was defined by love, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to her children and community. Her son, Jeff Bezos, shared a deeply personal tribute on social media, saying his mother died “surrounded by so many of us who loved her — her kids, grandkids, and my dad.”
“I know she felt our love in those final moments,” Bezos wrote. “We were all so lucky to be in her life. I hold her safe in my heart forever.”
Lewy body dementia, the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s, is a progressive brain disorder that affects thinking, movement, behavior and sleep. Jackie was diagnosed with the condition in 2020.
Born Jacklyn Gise, she became a mother at 17, raising Jeff while navigating the challenges of early adulthood. “That couldn’t have been easy, but she made it all work,” Jeff Bezos wrote. “She pounced on the job of loving me with ferocity, brought my amazing dad onto the team a few years later, and then added my sister and brother to her list of people to love, guard, and nourish. For the rest of her life, that list never stopped growing.”
She is survived by her husband Mike Bezos, her three children — Jeff, Christina and Mark — 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Lauren Sánchez Bezos, Jeff’s wife, posted her own tribute on social media, writing, “We will miss her SO much. Love you ❤️💔.” She also reposted a message from the Bezos Scholars honoring Jackie’s legacy.
The Bezos Family Foundation remembered Jackie as someone who “created a space where everyone felt safe, heard, and cared for,” whether it was “offering a plate of food, a bit of advice, or simply a listening ear.” They recalled her countless acts of dedication — from making frequent trips to Radio Shack for Jeff’s projects to supervising Christina’s cheerleading practices and transporting Mark’s drums in the family station wagon.
“To the countless people she touched throughout a remarkable life, Jacklyn Gise Bezos was a fierce advocate and supporter, filled with heart for others, and never accepting the status quo,” the statement said.
In lieu of flowers, the family has invited people to donate to a nonprofit of their choice or perform a simple act of kindness in her memory.
Source: People.com
