Jacklyn Bezos, mother of Jeff Bezos and philanthropist, dies at 78

Jacklyn “Jackie” Gise Bezos, the mother of Jeff Bezos, died peacefully in her Miami home Thursday. She was 78.

Jackie was a co-founder of the Bezos Family Foundation, a philanthropist, and a mother to three children.

History of Jacklyn Bezos

Jacklyn was born on December 29, 1946, in Washington, D.C., to parents Lawrence Preston Gise and Mattie Louise Strait Gise. She grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. While in high school, Jackie gave birth to her first child, Jeffrey, who would eventually be known as the founder of Amazon.

Jackie worked at a bank and attended night school while she was a young, single mother. During this time, Jackie met Miguel “Mike” Bezos, a Cuban immigrant who worked the night shift. The two married on April 5, 1968, and started a nearly 60-year partnership. Jackie and Mark welcomed two more children, Christina and Mark.

Jackie was known for her dedication to supporting her family. She would chaperone Jeff to Radio Shack for electronics, drive Christina to and from cheerleading practices, and transport Mark’s drum set in the family’s station wagon. Jackie’s home was open to friends, neighbors, and anyone in need of comfort and advice.

At age 45, Jackie returned to college and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with high honors from Saint Elizabeth University in 1991.

Jackie and Mike founded the Bezos Family Foundation with their children and extended family in 2000. She played a major role in programs such as Vroom, which promoted early childhood brain development, and the Bezos Scholar program, which supported student leaders in the U.S. and Africa. Jackie’s philanthropy also supported medical research at Seattle’s Fred Hutch Cancer Center, advancing immunotherapy treatments.

Jackie was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2020, which is a progressive neurological disorder. Her family said Mike was by Jackie’s side through every stage, and she faced the illness with courage and dignity.

Jackie is survived by her husband, Mike; children Jeff, Christina, and Mark; 11 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

The Bezos family expressed their gratitude toward the nurses, doctors, and friends who supported Jackie. The family asked that instead of flowers, people honor Jackie’s memory by supporting a nonprofit of their choice or performing a simple act of kindness.

Contributing: KIRO 7

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