Jackie Bezos

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.

Born December 29, 1946, Jackie died peacefully in her Miami home on August 14th, at the age of 78. A quiet final chapter to a life that taught all of us, friends and family alike, the true meaning of grit and determination, kindness, and service to others. Jackie was born to Lawrence Preston Gise and Mattie Louise Strait Gise in Washington, D.C. While she was growing up, the family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. During high school in Albuquerque, Jackie had her first child, Jeffrey.

As a young, single mom, Jackie was relentless – taking night school classes following high school and working in a bank by day. Her shift overlapped with a young Cuban immigrant who worked the night shift named Miguel (Mike) Bezos. The two fell in love and were married on April 5th, 1968, in what would be the beginning of a deep lifelong partnership across every aspect of their lives.

For nearly 60 years, Jackie and Mike built a life grounded in love, mutual respect and shared joy. Through every chapter—challenges and triumphs alike—their devotion to one another never wavered. Their bond was a source of strength to their family and a beautiful example of enduring love.

The family grew quickly with the additions of Christina and Mark. Jackie was a devoted mother, always putting her children 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. She dedicated her life to her family and poured her heart into raising her children with compassion, patience, and wisdom.

Jackie was not only a mother to her own children, but to many others as well. Over the years, her home became a welcoming gathering place for her children’s friends. Jackie created a space where everyone felt safe, heard, and cared for. 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.

Education was always important to Jackie. She believed deeply in the power of learning—not only for her family, but for herself. In May of 1991 at the age of 45, she went back to school to finish what she had begun decades earlier, earning her Bachelor of Arts with High Honors in Psychology from Saint Elizabeth University in Morristown, New Jersey. Returning to college as an adult and pursuing her own education was just another example of Jackie’s determination and grace. Her commitment to personal growth was an inspiration to all who knew her and a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.

Jackie’s experiences as a mother and student shaped some of her life’s most important work: the creation of the Bezos Family Foundation, which she founded with Mike, their children, and their families in 2000. At the Foundation, she devoted immense time and energy to two in-house programs: Vroom, a global early learning initiative that translates leading brain research into accessible, actionable tips to nurture children’s growing minds, and the Bezos Scholars Program, which supports students in the United States and Africa.

Jackie’s desire to help improve life for others extended well beyond the Foundation, and included large-scale charitable projects focused on medical research and community healthcare. Jackie’s deep partnerships with Seattle’s Fred Hutch Cancer Center helped lead to breakthrough immunotherapy treatments which use the body’s own immune system to attack cancerous cells. Her support for immunotherapy treatment continues to lead to new advancements.

Jackie’s life of service was second only to her passion for family and gathering. As a grandmother, Jackie found immense joy in watching her family grow. She passed down not only traditions and stories, but also her values—kindness, resilience, and the importance of togetherness. Her legacy lives on in her grandchildren, who will carry forward her strength, love of storytelling and the deep sense of family she instilled in them. Few things made her happier than “Camp Marmie,” the camp she put on for her eleven grandchildren, gathering them all together each summer for an adventure filled with creative problem solving, laughter, and curiosity.

In 2020, Jackie was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, a progressive neurological disorder that she battled with the same dignity and courage that shaped every aspect of her life. Mike, her husband and partner for more than a half century remained by her side at every step of this journey.

Jackie is survived by her devoted husband, Mike, children Jeff (Lauren), Christina (Steve), Mark (Lisa), eleven grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

Although Jackie may be gone from our sight, her love remains with us always—a bright shining light that will never fade. She will be missed beyond words.

The family would like to acknowledge the dedicated and loving nurses and doctors who cared for Jackie with tenderness and devotion, as well as her many dear friends. We are deeply grateful.

In lieu of flowers, 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.