(WJW) – Amazon founder and multi-billionaire Jeff Bezos is mourning the loss of his mother Jackie Bezos, who died after a long battle with dementia.
The 78-year-old philanthropist died peacefully at her Miami home on Thursday, according to a statement from the Bezos Family Foundation.
Surrounded by her loved ones — including her children, grandchildren, and husband Miguel Bezos — she passed away after enduring a years-long struggle with Lewy body dementia, Jeff Bezos shared in a post on social media.
“She always gave so much more than she ever asked for,” the entrepreneur expressed on Instagram. “We were incredibly fortunate to be part of her life. I will keep her safe in my heart forever. … I love you, mom.”
Jackie Bezos, who, along with her husband, invested over $245,000 into their son’s website (which would evolve into Amazon.com) in 1995, is also recognized for co-founding the Bezos Family Foundation.
“At the Foundation, she dedicated tremendous time and energy to two in-house programs: Vroom, a global early learning initiative that turns leading brain research into practical, actionable advice to nurture children’s developing minds, and the Bezos Scholars Program, which supports students in the United States and Africa,” states the foundation.
Her death comes just months after her son and journalist Lauren Sánchez’s extravagant wedding celebration in Italy made headlines.
The Cleveland Clinic explains that Lewy body dementia is a condition in which “clumps of proteins known as Lewy bodies accumulate in your brain cells,” leading to a decline in mental function.
These Lewy bodies damage parts of the brain that affect moving, sleeping and thinking, the Cleveland Clinic stated. There is no cure.
