Linda Lorraine Bean, the granddaughter of L.L. Bean founder Leon Leonwood Bean and a force in Maine’s business and political landscape, died on Saturday, March 23, at the age of 82.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Linda L. Bean,” said Veronika Carlson, president of Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine.
“Linda was known for her amazing work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit as well as her pride and dedication to her home state of Maine and L.L.Bean, the company her grandfather founded,” Carlson said. “Our hearts go out to her family and friends.”
Beside Bean’s own successful entrepreneurial endeavors, Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine and Linda Bean’s Maine Lobster, she served on the board of L.L. Bean, Inc. for 46 years, as well as held board or trustee positions with the Maine Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, the Brandywine Conservancy & Art Museum, Portland Museum of Art, Maine Historical Society, Eagle Forum Education and Legal Defense Fund, and Intercollegiate Studies Institute.
Bean’s philanthropic efforts included supporting the Life Flight of Maine emergency airlift medical helicopters, the Maine Botanical Gardens at Boothbay, and promotion of the life and career of 20th century artist and illustrator Newel Convers Wyeth, for which she founded the nonprofit N.C. Wyeth Research Foundation and & Reading Libraries.
As a conservative activist, Bean was a major donor to Republican causes both in Maine and nationally for several decades, including to Donald Trump’s 2016 and 2020 presidential bids, and twice campaigned for Congress herself in 1988 and 1992.
“Linda Bean loved the State of Maine. Its coastal communities, islands, and art, particularly by the Wyeths, had a special place in her heart,” U.S. Senator from Maine Susan Collins (R) said in a written statement Sunday afternoon.
“Linda also was an astute businesswoman who promoted Maine lobster through her restaurants. Many a time while waiting for my plane in Portland, I had a cup of her famous lobster stew at her airport restaurant,” Collins said.
“My heart goes out to her sons and other family members as they mourn the loss of this remarkable Mainer,” she added.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat, issued a statement Sunday saying that she was “saddened to learn of the passing of Maine businesswoman and philanthropist Linda Bean.”
“Linda’s career included nearly five decades on the board of the iconic company started by her grandfather, L.L.Bean, and successful ventures and investments in Maine’s lobster, real estate and hospitality industries,” Gov. Mills said. “Linda generously contributed to the arts, to land conservation, to LifeFlight of Maine, and to efforts to restore and rebuild her beloved Port Clyde.”
“While her politics did not align with mine,” Mills continued, “Linda and I found common ground in our mutual love of our home state, of the coast of Maine and our working waterfronts, of Maine inspired art and of the perfect Maine lobster roll.”
“I enjoyed her company and admired her business acumen,” she added. “On behalf of the people of Maine, I extend deep condolences to Linda’s family and loved ones and to the entire L.L.Bean community.”
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A sad loss for the State of Maine. At least she won’t have to live and bear what this State has become under the communist “leadership” of janet mills, who is a blight on this once beautiful state. RIP, and condolences to her family.
“While her politics did not align with mine,” Mills continued…. Very unfortunate since Bean was a producer and Mills aligns with the parasitic progressives who are well on their way to ruining the state economically. Rest in peace, Linda. At least you won’t have to witness Maine’s downfall from this side anyway.