Maine's 'Lobster Lady' Virginia Oliver, Who Fished for Nearly a Century, Dies at 105

Virginia 'Ginny' Oliver, Maine's legendary "Lobster Lady" who spent nearly a century working on the water, has died at the age of 105. Oliver, who began her fishing career at just 8 years old, remained active in the industry well into her 100s, working alongside her son Max on their lobster boat off the coast of Rockland, Maine.

A photograph taken on August 31, 2021, captured Oliver in her element, measuring and banding lobsters as a sternman on her son's boat. The image, taken by Robert F Bukaty for the Associated Press, shows the centenarian still engaged in the work she loved, demonstrating the remarkable longevity of her career in Maine's fishing industry.

Oliver's life spanned nearly the entire history of modern commercial lobster fishing in Maine. Starting in the early 1920s, she witnessed and participated in the evolution of the industry from sail-powered boats to modern diesel engines, from wooden traps to wire ones, and from manual measuring to more standardized sizing methods.

What made Oliver's story particularly remarkable wasn't just her longevity, but her continued passion for the work. Unlike many who might have retired in their 60s or 70s, Oliver found joy in being "along the water," as she often said. Her dedication to the fishing lifestyle and her role in one of Maine's most iconic industries made her a local legend and a symbol of the state's maritime heritage.

Maine's lobster industry, which Oliver was part of for nearly 100 years, remains a cornerstone of the state's economy and cultural identity. The industry faces ongoing challenges including climate change, changing regulations, and market fluctuations, but Oliver's lifetime of work stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of those who make their living from the sea.

The passing of Virginia Oliver marks the end of an era for Maine's fishing community. Her story connects multiple generations of fishermen and women, and her century-long career provides a living link to the early days of commercial lobstering in New England. As Maine's fishing industry continues to evolve, Oliver's legacy serves as both inspiration and historical record of a way of life that has defined coastal communities for generations.