Maine's Legendary 'Lobster Lady' Virginia Oliver Dies at 105 After 97-Year Fishing Career
The fishing community of Maine and admirers nationwide are mourning the loss of Virginia "Ginny" Oliver, the celebrated centenarian known affectionately as the "Lobster Lady," who passed away on 21 January at the remarkable age of 105. Her extraordinary life, spanning nearly a century on the waters, has been hailed as an inspiration by Maine's Governor Janet Mills and countless others who followed her story.
A Lifelong Passion for the Sea
Oliver's journey in the lobster industry began when she was just eight years old, working alongside her father and older brother. In a 2021 interview with the Associated Press, she reflected on her enduring love for the trade, stating, "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." This dedication saw her establish a remarkable 97-year tenure, a testament to her resilience in a largely male-dominated field.
Her daily routine involved rising before dawn and using small fish, colloquially known as poagies, to lure lobsters from her boat, the Virginia. Originally owned by her late husband, the vessel became synonymous with her unwavering commitment to the craft.
From Humble Beginnings to Widespread Acclaim
Over the decades, Oliver witnessed significant changes in the lobster industry. When she started, lobster was considered working-class food, priced at just 28 cents per pound. By the end of her career, it had transformed into a pricey restaurant delicacy, costing $6.14 per pound—a staggering 22-fold increase that mirrored the evolution of Maine's maritime economy.
As word of her longevity spread, Oliver became a cultural icon, featured in documentaries, major US television network stories, and children's books, including one titled The Lobster Lady. Her fame even attracted admirers like Mark Hamill, the famed actor best known for his role as Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars saga, who celebrated her tenacity on social media.
A Legacy of Humility and Spirit
Despite her acclaim, friends and family emphasised that Oliver remained humble and spirited throughout her life. Her personal aesthetic delighted fans; she wore lipstick and earrings every day she went out on the boat, quipping, "you never know who you are going to see." This combination of grit and grace endeared her to many.
Her contributions were formally recognised on multiple occasions. Governor Mills once presented her with a special recognition on her birthday, and she earned an honorary invitation to join Great Britain's Cardiff Royal Naval Association. The Maine Lobster Festival, which once designated her the grand marshal of its parade, honoured her as "more than a local icon" and "a living piece of Maine's maritime history."
Tributes from Friends and Leaders
In a statement, Governor Mills praised Oliver's "amazing" life and expressed hopes that her memory would inspire "the next century of hardworking" fishers in Maine. Barbara Walsh, a Pulitzer prize-winning journalist and friend of Oliver, added her own tribute, noting that the late fisher "believed in living, laughing and doing what she loved." Walsh recalled Oliver's spirited nature, often declaring, "I'm the boss," both on land and at sea.
Oliver fished actively until a fall at age 103, demonstrating her unwavering dedication. Her story has also been viewed by some as emblematic of broader trends, with a growing number of Americans extending their working lives past typical retirement ages due to rising living costs and stagnant wages.
She is survived by her children and grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy that transcends generations. As Walsh poignantly concluded, "Sail on, sweet Ginny. May your spirit forever soar above the sea."
