Gap co-founder Doris F Fisher passed away on May 2 in San Francisco at the age of 94.

The company confirmed her passing on Monday, noting she died peacefully surrounded by family. Doris Fisher is credited with naming the company as a reference to the ‘generation gap’.  

During her tenure at Gap, Fisher worked as the company’s merchandiser and was a member of the board of directors until 2009.

Fisher managed fashion merchandising for nearly 40 years and supported the company’s expansion of its retail footprint through the acquisition of Banana Republic and the launch of Old Navy.

Beyond her retail career, Fisher was involved in educational, arts, and philanthropic initiatives.

• Further reading: ‘Recovery takes root’: Gap comp sales rise for eight straight quarters.