Jackie Bezos, mother of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has passed away at the age of 78 after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Surrounded by her family at her Miami home, Jackie’s final moments reflected the warmth, strength, and devotion that defined her life. Her passing comes just weeks after celebrating Jeff’s wedding in Venice, adding a bittersweet note to what was a joyous family occasion.
Born on December 29, 1946, Jackie’s journey was one of resilience from the very start. She became a mother at 17, raising Jeff while still attending high school. Balancing school, work, and motherhood, she displayed determination that would shape her family’s future. Jeff often credited her for her unwavering support, once recalling how she “pounced on the job of loving me with ferocity.”
In the late 1960s, Jackie met Cuban immigrant Miguel “Mike” Bezos while attending night classes. They married in 1968 and built a strong partnership grounded in love, respect, and shared goals. Together, they raised Jeff and their two other children, Christina and Mark, instilling in them the values of hard work, kindness, and community.
One of the most pivotal moments in Jackie’s life came in 1995, when she and Mike invested nearly $250,000 into Jeff’s small online bookstore idea. That leap of faith helped launch Amazon, a company that would transform global commerce. While the investment brought financial rewards, Jackie’s pride stemmed more from Jeff’s courage and vision than from the success itself.
Jackie’s life was never defined solely by her role as Jeff Bezos’s mother. She was deeply committed to philanthropy, co-founding the Bezos Family Foundation in 2000. The foundation focused on advancing education and supporting childhood development programs, including Vroom, which offers parents tools to boost brain development in young children. Jackie also championed cancer research, contributing significantly to leading medical centers.
Even in her private life, Jackie was a constant source of encouragement for her children. She was the mom who made countless trips to Radio Shack for Jeff’s science projects, attended Christina’s school events, and helped Mark with his musical endeavors. Her family remembers her as someone who never missed an opportunity to celebrate their milestones, big or small.
Jackie was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2020, a progressive brain disease that affects memory, thinking, and movement. Despite the challenges of her illness, she continued to inspire with her grace, humor, and unshakable love. Mike remained by her side throughout her journey, embodying the same devotion they had shared for more than five decades.
In recent years, Jackie’s health struggles became more pronounced, but her spirit remained strong. She encouraged her family and friends to live with kindness and generosity, values she demonstrated throughout her life. In her memory, her loved ones have encouraged others to support causes that mattered to her or to perform simple acts of compassion.
Her passing is a profound loss not only for her family but for the many lives she touched through her charitable work. She leaves behind her husband Mike, children Jeff, Christina, and Mark, eleven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Each of them carries forward her legacy of love, resilience, and service.
Key Moments in Jackie Bezos’s Life
- 1946: Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
- 1964: Gave birth to Jeff Bezos at age 17.
- 1968: Married Miguel “Mike” Bezos.
- 1995: Invested in Amazon during its early days.
- 2000: Co-founded the Bezos Family Foundation.
- 2020: Diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia.
- 2025: Passed away at the age of 78.
Why Jackie Bezos Will Be Remembered
- Early courage: Raising a child while still in school and pursuing education.
- Belief in vision: Supporting Amazon’s founding when it was just an idea.
- Commitment to giving: Funding education and medical research.
- Unshakable love: Always putting family at the center of her life.
- Grace in adversity: Meeting illness with dignity and hope.
Jackie Bezos’s story is a reminder that true success is not just about achievements or wealth, but about the impact we have on the lives of others. Her compassion, generosity, and strength continue to inspire those who knew her and many who only know her story.
Her family’s heartfelt tributes speak volumes about the role she played in their lives. Jeff described her as someone “safe in my heart forever,” while loved ones echoed that her spirit will live on in acts of kindness and love.
Jackie’s life was a testament to the belief that with determination, generosity, and heart, one person can change the course of many lives.
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