US EditionVirginia Oliver, Maine's 'Lobster Lady,' dies at 105
Virginia Oliver lobstered for over 90 years, inspiring many with her independence and optimism as Maine's oldest active lobster trapper, renewing her license at 104.
- On Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, Virginia 'Ginny' Oliver died at a local hospital in Rockland, Maine, at about 11 p.m., longtime friend Wayne Gray confirmed; she was 105 and known as Maine's 'Lobster Lady'.
- Virginia 'Ginny' Oliver began lobstering at age 8 and spent more than nine decades hauling traps off Maine's coast, growing up between the Rockland mainland and the Andrews Islands.
- Oliver renewed her commercial lobster license at age 104 and worked with her son Max, hauling about 400 traps between them until his retirement three years ago.
- National and international media outlets highlighted Oliver's century-plus career, and Governor Janet Mills paid tribute, noting a special State recognition presented a few years ago.
- Her life became a symbol of endurance for Maine's working waterfront as she said, "You just have to keep going, otherwise you would be in a wheelchair or something," demonstrating her perseverance across decades.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Action News 5
Legendary Maine lobsterwoman known as the ‘Lobster Lady’ dies at 105
A legendary lobsterwoman in Maine who became known as the “Lobster Lady” has died.
The Independent
The Independent (US)‘Lobster Lady’ of Maine, whose dedicated following includes Mark Hamill, dies at 105
The ‘Lobster Lady’ gained international recognition, including an invitation to join the Cardiff Royal Naval Association in Great Britain
Central Maine News
Maine’s beloved ‘Lobster Lady’ dies at 105
Virginia Oliver, who gained international fame as Maine's oldest lobster fisherman, died Wednesday in Rockland.
Maine's oldest lobster trapper has died
Maine’s beloved “Lobster Lady” has passed away at the age of 105. Virginia “Ginny” Oliver died Friday, according to her friend, Barbara Walsh, who also wrote a book about Ginny called “The Lobster Lady.” Ginny was the oldest lobster trapper in Maine. She started catching lobsters off the coast of Rockland when she was a little girl and was lobstering well past her 104th birthday. “She was one of the most optimistic women I’ve ever met. She never…
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