Susan M. Rafaj

Susan M. Rafaj, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rafaj Associates, passed away on Friday, March 1.

Born in Dickson City, Pa., to a Lutheran minister's family, Sue was one of six children. She received her R.N. at Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton, Pa., then moved to New York, where she started her nursing career at Nassau Hospital (now Winthrop) in the Premature Birth Unit and received advanced training at New York Hospital.

In the 1960's Sue was recruited by Revlon for their marketing department to work on the launch of a line of baby care products under Charles Revson Sr. After many years at Revlon, Susan held several marketing positions at Helena Rubenstein, and then became vice president of new product development at Shiseido Cosmetics. After several years, Susan moved from the corporate side to the agency side of the business at Merchandising Workshop overseeing the Revlon Professional hair care business.

Susan started her own agency in 1977 as Blustain, Blum and Rafaj and successfully launched the Bon Jour jeans line in both print and TV. Shortly thereafter she started Rafaj Associates. Her determination, knowledge and expertise set her apart as a pioneer in creating a solely owned women's business.

Concentrating on businesses across the cosmetic industry, Susan built Rafaj Associates into a company with over 17 employees and worked on such global businesses as Revlon, Lancôme, Elizabeth Arden, L'Oreal, Borghese Inc., Laura Geller Beauty, Hanes, Champion and Ralph Lauren.

She was a driving force in helping to establish the industry organizations ICMAD and the Foragers, and also an active member of the Fashion Group International, ABA (American Beauty Association), CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women), ISPA (International Spa Association), PBA (Professional Beauty Association), Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBEC) and a 30 year member of the Advertising Association of America (4A's).

Beloved daughter of Paul and Susan, Sue is survived by two sisters, Ruth Goodwin and Joan Olson; and a sister-in-law, Mildred Rafaj. She was predeceased by her brother Paul; and sisters, Ellen Vrudny and Grace Rafaj. She was a cherished aunt to Linda Powell, Peter and Scott Goodwin; Mark and Janet Vrudny; Susan McLesky, Ruth Khan, Eric and Susanne Olson. She is also survived by her many close friends and business associates.

Susan will always be remembered as a pioneering woman in business and was responsible for helping countless people in the cosmetic and hair care industry find and succeed in their positions. She will be deeply missed by all.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 22, at 1 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 122 E. 88th St., (corner of Lexington Avenue), New York, N.Y., with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Osteoporosis Foundation or the New York Public Library.

A private burial will be held at Susan's family grave in Peckville, near Scranton, Pa.