Virginia 'Ginny' Oliver, known as Maine's 'Lobster Lady' for her nearly 100-year career in lobster fishing, died on 21 January at the age of 105, her family announced in an obituary published on Monday.
Oliver began trapping lobsters at the age of eight alongside her father and older brother, and continued until a fall at age 103. She told the Associated Press in 2021 that she loved being on the water and intended to keep fishing as long as she could.
Maine Governor Janet Mills paid tribute to Oliver, calling her life 'amazing' and expressing hope that her memory would inspire future generations of fishers. Oliver became a local icon, featured in documentaries, news stories, and children's books, including one titled 'The Lobster Lady'.
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.' She was also honoured with an invitation to join Great Britain's Cardiff Royal Naval Association.
Over her lifetime, the price of lobster rose from 28 cents per pound to $6.14. The Maine Lobster Festival, which once named her grand marshal, described her as 'a living piece of Maine's maritime history.'
