Jeff Bezos' Mother, a Backer of Amazon and Philanthropist, Dies at 78

Jackie Bezos, the mother of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has died at 78 after a long battle with Lewy body dementia. She was a fierce protector of her son and a deep-pocketed advocate for early childhood education, backing educational programs through the Bezos Family Foundation. The foundation, which has also received large donations from Jeff Bezos, has made significant gifts to various organizations, with its largest being $185.7 million to the Aspen Institute.

Jackie Bezos, the mother of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has passed away at the age of 78 after a long battle with Lewy body dementia. Her death was announced by the Bezos Scholars Program, which described her passing as a "quiet final chapter to a life that embodied grit, determination, kindness, and service to others" [1].

Jackie Bezos was born Jacklyn Gise and became a mother at the age of 17. She married Jeff's biological father, Ted Jorgensen, and gave birth to Jeff at 17. The marriage ended when Jeff was 17 months old, and she later married Cuban refugee Mike Bezos, who adopted Jeff. Together, they had two more children, Christina and Mark [2].

Throughout her life, Jackie was a dedicated advocate for education and philanthropy. She co-founded the Bezos Family Foundation in 2000, which has made significant contributions to various educational initiatives. The foundation's largest gift was $185.7 million to the Aspen Institute [3].

Jackie and Mike Bezos played a pivotal role in Amazon's early days. In 1995, they invested $245,000 in Jeff's fledgling online bookstore. By 2020, Amazon had become a trillion-dollar company, and Jeff Bezos became one of the world's wealthiest individuals [3].

Jackie's legacy extends beyond her financial contributions. She is remembered for her dedication to her children, her advocacy for education, and her charitable work. The family requested that, instead of flowers, people honor her memory by donating to a nonprofit organization of their choice or by performing an act of kindness [3].

References:
[1] https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/jacklyn-bezos-cause-of-death-how-did-jeff-bezos-mother-die-all-on-lewy-body-dementia-battle-101755209855179.html
[2] https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/jeff-bezos-mom-dead-tribute-b2808114.html
[3] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/jeff-bezos-mother-cause-of-death-net-worth-who-is-jacklyn-gise-bezos-who-died-at-age-of-78-amazon-founder-lewy-body-dementia-prolonged-battle-early-life-education-philanthropy-contribution-in-amazons-birth/articleshow/123314387.cms