NEED TO KNOW
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Jackie Bezos, Jeff Bezos’ mom, has died at 78
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She passed away “after a long fight with Lewy body dementia,” according to her son
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The Amazon founder shared a tribute for her on Instagram, writing, “We were all so lucky to be in her life. I hold her safe in my heart forever”
Jackie Bezos, the mother of Jeff Bezos, has died. She was 78.
The Bezos Family Foundation, which she co-founded alongside her son, confirmed her death in a statement on Thursday, Aug. 14. The Amazon founder, 61, also shared a tribute to his mother on social media, writing that she died “after a long fight with Lewy body dementia.”
“She passed away today, surrounded by so many of us who loved her — her kids, grandkids, and my dad,” he wrote. “I know she felt our love in those final moments. We were all so lucky to be in her life. I hold her safe in my heart forever.”
Lewy body dementia is a brain disorder that affects one’s thinking, movement, behavior and sleep. After Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, which Jackie was diagnosed with in 2020, is the second most common type of dementia.
She is survived by her husband Mike Bezos, her three children — Jeff, Christina and Mark — as well as 11 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
In his tribute, Jeff also reflected on his mom’s love for him.
“Her adulthood started a little bit early when she became my mom at the tender age of 17. That couldn’t have been easy, but she made it all work. 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,” he wrote. “For the rest of her life, that list of people to love never stopped growing. She always gave so much more than she ever asked for.”
In the comments section, his wife Lauren Sánchez Bezos wrote, “We will miss her SO much. Love you ❤️💔.” Additionally, the journalist and helicopter pilot reposted a tribute to Jackie from Bezos Scholars on her Instagram Story.
In their own post, the Bezos Family Foundation remembered Jackie as a “devoted mother” who “always” put her kids first.
“She made countless trips to Radio Shack for Jeff, spent numerous hours supervising cheerleading practices with Christina, and hauled drums in the back of the family station wagon for Mark,” read their statement. “She dedicated her life to her family and poured her heart into raising her children with compassion, patience, and wisdom.”
“Jackie created a space where everyone felt safe, heard, and cared for,” the foundation continued. “Whether offering a plate of food, a bit of advice or simply a listening ear, she had a remarkable way of making people feel like family.”
Related: All About Jeff Bezos’ Parents, Jacklyn and Miguel Bezos (Including Their Massive Stake in Amazon!)
“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,” their statement continued.
In lieu of flowers, the foundation said “the family invites you to support a nonprofit organization that is meaningful to you or to perform a simple act of kindness in her memory.”
Read the original article on People
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