Virginia 'Ginny' Oliver, known as Maine's 'Lobster Lady' for fishing for nearly 100 years, has died at the age of 105. Her obituary, published by her family on Monday, confirmed her death on 21 January.
Oliver began trapping lobsters at the age of eight alongside her father and older brother. She continued fishing until a fall at age 103, according to her friend and author Barbara Walsh. In a 2021 interview with the Associated Press, Oliver said, 'I like doing it – I like being along the water. And so I'm going to keep on doing it just as long as I can.'
Maine Governor Janet Mills paid tribute, calling Oliver's life 'amazing' and expressing hope that her memory inspires 'the next century of hardworking' fishers in the state. Oliver's career spanned 97 years, during which she became the subject of documentaries, news stories, and a children's book titled The Lobster Lady. Actor Mark Hamill, known for playing Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, celebrated her tenacity on social media.
Oliver's obituary noted that she remained humble and spirited despite her fame, wearing lipstick and earrings every day on her boat because 'you never know who you are going to see.' The price of lobster rose from 28 cents per pound when she started to $6.14, a 22-fold increase.
The Maine Lobster Festival, which once named her grand marshal, called her 'a living piece of Maine's maritime history.' Walsh added in a tribute, 'Sail on, sweet Ginny. May your spirit forever soar above the sea.' Oliver is survived by her children and grandchildren.
