Jacklyn “Jackie” Gise Bezos, beloved matriarch of the Bezos family and mother of Jeff Bezos, passed away on August 14, 2025, at her Miami home, aged 78. Surrounded by loved ones, she ended a five-year battle with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) with grace and courage.
Becoming a mother at 17 in Albuquerque, Jackie raised Jeff alone after her first marriage ended. In 1968, she married Miguel “Mike” Bezos, who adopted Jeff and, together, they built a warm family with siblings Christina and Mark. Jeff’s heartfelt tribute described her as fiercely devoted, adding his father to her “team,” and expanding her circle of love endlessly.
Diagnosed with LBD in 2020, Jackie confronted the illness with resilience. She embodied determination—earning a psychology degree in her 40s, balancing work, and raising children. In 1995, her early Amazon investment of roughly $250,000 proved transformative.
Her generosity shaped the Bezos Family Foundation, co-founded in 2000, which advanced educational programs like Vroom and the Bezos Scholars Program. Jackie and Mike’s philanthropy extended to groundbreaking cancer research, including a historic $710 million gift to Seattle’s Fred Hutch Cancer Center in 2022.
Lewy Body Dementia, the second most common progressive dementia, affects over a million Americans. It combines symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, making diagnosis challenging. Jackie’s journey brought attention to its impact and the need for careful care.
A pioneer, nurturer, and visionary, Jackie Bezos leaves an enduring mark on family, education, and healthcare—a legacy that will inspire for generations.
Do you want me to also prepare a compassionate mini-profile infographic summarizing her life, milestones, and philanthropic impact? That could make this tribute visually engaging.