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Maine's 'Lobster Lady' Virginia Oliver dies aged 105
Summary
Virginia 'Ginny' Oliver, known as Maine's 'Lobster Lady', died on 21 January at age 105 after a nearly 100-year career lobster fishing, her family said.
Content
Virginia 'Ginny' Oliver, long known in Maine as the 'Lobster Lady,' died on 21 January at age 105, according to a family obituary. She began trapping lobsters at eight years old with her father and older brother and continued working on the water for nearly a century. Her career and personality drew attention from documentaries, television news and a children's book titled The Lobster Lady. State and personal tributes noted her tenacity and spirited presence.
Key facts:
- Oliver died on 21 January at age 105, as reported by her family obituary.
- She began lobster fishing at age eight and established a roughly 97-year tenure on the water.
- She worked from a boat named the Virginia and used small fish known as poagies to lure lobsters; she stopped fishing after a fall at age 103.
- Her life was covered in documentaries, major television news stories and a children's book called The Lobster Lady.
- Governor Janet Mills and author Barbara Walsh paid tribute, and actor Mark Hamill noted her tenacity on social media; the Maine Lobster Festival had once named her grand marshal.
- Survivors include her children and grandchildren, and she received recognitions such as an honorary invitation to the Cardiff Royal Naval Association.
Summary:
Oliver's long career underscored a personal commitment to Maine's maritime life and drew public recognition over many years. Her death prompted tributes from state officials, friends and public figures who noted her spirit and longevity. Undetermined at this time.
