Virginia “Ginny” Oliver, known across the state as Maine’s “Lobster Lady,” has passed away at age 105.
Oliver died quietly in the hospital, Wayne Gray, a longtime family friend, told News Center Maine.
“Ginny” gained national and international attention for continuing to lobster well past her 100th birthday, becoming a symbol of longevity, resilience, and Maine’s working waterfront.
“She was an inspiration for not only senior citizens, but everyone in the industry,” Gray said.
“Sad news from the Midcoast,” the Maine Lobstermen’s Association said in a social media post. “Ginny was an amazing ambassador for our industry and exemplified the incredible work ethic that defines our industry and all Mainers. Our thoughts are with her family.”
Born on Clarendon Street in Rockland at her parents’ home in June 1920, the centenarian still lived on the same street but in a different house, where she raised her four children.
All four of her children lobstered, as did her husband.
In 2021, Oliver told “207 Maine” that what she liked best about lobstering is “being the boss.”
She said she didn’t go out if she didn’t want to, but liked the independence that life on the water afforded her and her family.
Oliver began lobstering at age 8 alongside her father and older brother and spent more than nine decades hauling traps.
When she turned 104 last year, she was still actively lobstering and had renewed her fishing license, with plans to continue fishing.
Oliver’s son, Max, now in his 80s, also worked as a lobsterman for decades and continued fishing into his later years before retiring.
In addition to her storied career on the water, Oliver was recognized internationally. She was offered and accepted membership in the Cardiff Royal Naval Association in Great Britain.
Oliver’s life and career made her a beloved figure in Maine and beyond, representing generations of fishing families and the enduring spirit of the state’s lobster industry.
