Maine's Legendary Lobster Lady Virginia Oliver Dies at 105
Virginia Oliver, celebrated as Maine's pioneering lobster lady, has passed away at the remarkable age of 105. Her death occurred on January 21 at a hospital near her lifelong home in Rockland, Maine, as confirmed by reports from the Boston Globe. Oliver's extraordinary life was defined by decades of dedication to lobstering, a profession she embraced from childhood and continued well into her centenarian years.
A Lifetime on the Water
Oliver's connection to the sea began when she was just eight years old, accompanying her father on lobstering trips. She maintained this passion throughout her life, becoming Maine's first officially recognised woman lobsterman and, later, the state's oldest licensed trapper. For many years, she worked alongside her son, Max Oliver, venturing out three times weekly on a boat named after her, originally belonging to her late husband.
Her son Max fondly remembered her as "a hard worker and a good mother," noting that she was unequivocally "the boss" of their operations. Their days would start as early as 3am, checking hundreds of lobster traps. Virginia took charge of measuring catches, discarding undersized lobsters, captaining the boat, and preparing bait bags—all while, as Max humorously added, giving him "hell once in a while."
An Enduring Legacy and Community Impact
Despite health challenges that finally forced her to retire at 103, Oliver's spirit remained undimmed. In an interview at 101, she remarked, "It’s not hard work for me. It might be for somebody else, but not me." Her legendary career has inspired a documentary and several books, with her story resonating far beyond Maine's shores. She received fan mail from around the world, and her son emphasised that she cherished this recognition.
The Maine Lobster Festival honoured her as a "true Maine legend" and "a living piece of Maine’s maritime history." In a heartfelt statement, they praised her "no-nonsense work ethic, sparkling blue eyes and enduring sense of purpose," adding that her legacy is "etched into the soul of our community and the waters she called home."
Personal Tributes and Family Remembrances
Author Barbara Walsh, who co-wrote a picture book about Oliver, shared poignant memories, recalling how she often "teared up when I hugged Ginny goodbye." Walsh last visited in October after Oliver had been hospitalised with COVID-19 and pneumonia, noting that even in recovery, "Ginny didn't believe in complaining. She believed in living, laughing, and doing what she loved." Oliver was known for her sassy spirit, signature red lipstick, and always wearing earrings.
Born in Rockland in June 1920 to a lobsterman father and lobster dealer mother, Virginia married Maxwell Oliver Sr., who also pursued lobstering except during World War II. After briefly trying office work, she returned to her true love on the water, lobstering with her husband until his passing and later with her son. Her afternoons were often spent uptown, visiting supermarkets and chatting with locals.
Virginia Oliver is survived by three sons, one daughter, and two grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire those in her community and beyond.
