Virginia “Ginny” Oliver, affectionately known as the “Lobster Lady,” is a force to be reckoned with.
At the age of 101, she’s still actively lobstering and has no plans to retire.
Born in 1920 on Claredon Street in Maine, Ginny’s connection to the place remains strong.
Although she doesn’t reside in her birthplace, she lives in a house on the same street—a home she shared with her late husband and where she raised her four children.
Ginny’s journey into the world of lobstering began when she was just 8 years old.
Alongside her father and brother, she would catch lobsters and sardines to sell to local factories.
But they always kept some of their catch for themselves.
Ginny’s love for lobster rolls is evident when she describes her favorite recipe:
“Maine lobster, a grilled bun, a little mayo, and nothing else.”
But Ginny’s talents aren’t limited to lobstering.
She’s also renowned for her baking skills. Her doughnuts, cakes, and brownies are legendary.
And every Sunday, her family gathers for a cherished tradition: enjoying Ginny’s baked beans.
Her 75-year-old son, Max, recently moved back to support her, but Ginny’s independent spirit remains undiminished.
Ginny’s philosophy towards life is both pragmatic and inspiring.
She acknowledges the inevitability of aging but refuses to be bogged down by it.
“You’re not gonna live forever, so why let it bother you,” she quips.
Known as “The Boss,” Ginny’s resilience and humor shine through.
When questioned about her continued lobstering at 101, her response was simple and assertive:
“Because I want to.”
In her extensive career spanning over 90 years, Ginny has been fortunate to avoid major injuries.
Recounting one of her more memorable incidents, she narrates how a crab, not a lobster, caused her a significant injury.
While collecting crabs for her son-in-law, one managed to snip her finger, leading to seven stitches.
With her characteristic humor, she remarks that if not for the bone, the crab would’ve taken her finger off.
Beyond her personal experiences, Ginny is deeply concerned about the future of Maine’s lobster industry.
Lobsters constitute a whopping 82% of Maine’s commercial fishing business.
However, challenges like offshore wind development, tidal changes, and overfishing threaten the industry’s sustainability.
Lobstermen, including Ginny, are conscious of their responsibility.
They ensure that the lobsters they catch are of the right size, allowing younger ones to grow and reproduce.
When asked about her retirement plans, Ginny’s answer was as straightforward as her personality:
“When I die.”
Ginny, the indomitable “Lobster Lady,” exudes a zest for life that’s infectious.
With a boat named in her honor, she’s a living testament to the idea that age is just a number.
For those intrigued by Ginny’s story, there’s a captivating video that delves deeper into her life and adventures.
It’s a testament to a woman who, even at 101, continues to inspire and amaze.
Click the video below to learn more about the inspiring ‘Lobster Lady!’
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