Roslyn S. Jaffe, pioneering entrepreneur, mother, philanthropist, and advocate for women's empowerment, passed away peacefully at the age of 96. She was the co-founder of Dress Barn and namesake of the Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards, a grant for women who were everyday heroes working to make the world a better place for women and girls. Roslyn leaves behind a legacy marked by resilience, pragmatism, innovation, and a deep compassion for others.
Born in 1929 in Waterbury, Connecticut, Roslyn Solomon grew up in a modest, working-class Jewish family during the Great Depression. Her early years were shaped by a strong sense of community and responsibility, values instilled by her parents who emphasized the importance of education and hard work. From a young age, Roslyn demonstrated exceptional intelligence, curiosity, and a keen sense of style that would one day define her path. Determined to pursue higher education at a time when few women did, Roslyn attended Simmons College in Boston, graduating in 1950 with a degree in business math, which, when combined with her common sense and pragmatism, provided her with the strong business foundation that would serve her well. After college, Roslyn began her career as an executive trainee at Gimbels department store in New York City. At Gimbels, she honed her skills in merchandising, sales, and store operations--skills that would become essential to her future success as an entrepreneur. During this time, she also met her husband, Elliot Jaffe, with whom she would share a lifelong partnership in both business and life. In the early 1960s, while raising their three children, Roslyn saw a gap in the market that would spark a revolution in women's retail. Working women like herself were entering the workforce in greater numbers, but they lacked access to affordable, stylish, and professional clothing. With a vision to serve these women, and with just $5,000 in savings, Roslyn opened the first Dress Barn store in Stamford, Connecticut in 1962. From its modest beginnings in a small storefront, Dress Barn grew into a nationwide chain. She insisted on hiring women, promoted from within, and developed policies that supported working mothers--long before corporate America caught on. Dress Barn didn't just sell clothes; it celebrated and supported the everyday woman. Through it all, Roslyn never lost sight of the company's founding mission: to empower women by helping them look and feel their best. Roslyn's business success was matched by her philanthropic endeavors. Deeply committed to giving back, she focused her energy on causes that uplifted women and children, especially in underserved communities. In 2014, the Ascena Foundation established the Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards, or "Mrs. J Awards," in her honor. These awards recognized everyday heroes--all women--who founded grassroots organizations to improve the lives of women and children in health, education, and economic empowerment. Roslyn was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She shared a 70-year marriage with her beloved Elliot, who predeceased her in 2023. Together, they built a close- knit family that continues to carry on their values of integrity, humility, and service.
Roslyn is survived by her three children; Elise (Jeffrey Brown, deceased), Richard (Lynette), and David (Helen). She is also survived by five grandchildren; Byron, Alexandra, Spencer, Rye, and Laurel, and one great-grandchild, Ruby, all of whom were inspired by her energy, wisdom, and devotion to making the world a better place.