Body Shop founder Roddick dies

(CNN) -- The founder of The Body Shop, which grew from one shop in southern England to an international chain, has died, the chairman of Body Shop International confirmed Monday.

Anita Roddick, 64, died after suffering a major brain hemorrhage, her family said in a statement to the UK Press Association. Her husband, Gordon, and daughters, Sam and Justine, were all with her at St Richard's Hospital in Chichester, England.

Roddick had revealed in February that she contracted hepatitis C through a blood transfusion while giving birth to a daughter in 1971, according to The Associated Press.

Roddick and her husband stepped down as co-chairmen of the company in 2002, according to the AP. Still, she continued to contribute as a consultant.

The Body Shop chain became a massive success selling "green" cosmetics as customers were becoming environmentally aware.

Adrian Bellamy, chairman of Body Shop International, said in a written statement: "All of us in The Body Shop family are deeply shocked and saddened to hear the news of Anita's passing.

"Anita was not only our founder but she was also the heart and passion of The Body Shop and with her we achieved so much, whether on animal rights, human rights, Community Trade, or through the founding of organizations like Children on the Edge.

"It is no exaggeration to say that she changed the world of business with her campaigns for social and environmental responsibility.

"But for everyone who knew Anita, it was about much more than that: you couldn't help but be inspired by her love of life, her vision of the world and her passion for changing it.

"Anita leaves us with an enduring legacy which will long guide the affairs of The Body Shop. Our heartfelt condolences are with the Roddick family at this sad time."

Roddick had said her business ethics were partly inspired by women's beauty rituals that she discovered while traveling in developing countries, and lessons that her mother passed on from life during the hard years of World War II. Watch CNN Boardroom interview with Roddick.

Roddick's business opposed product testing on animals and tried to encourage development by purchasing materials from small communities in the Third World. According to AP reports, the Body Shop also invested in a wind farm in Wales as part of its campaign to support renewable energy, and it set up its own human rights award.

The Body Shop has grown into a global phenomenon with nearly 2,000 stores in 50 countries and remains independently run despite being owned by L'Oreal Group.

In recognition of Roddick's contribution to business and charity, Queen Elizabeth II made her a dame, the female equivalent of a knight, in 2003. E-mail to a friend

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