Virginia “Ginny” Oliver, a remarkable woman from Maine, has spent the majority of her life working on lobster boats. Born in 1920 on Claredon Street, Ginny still resides in the same area, although not in her original house. She and her late husband purchased a home on the same street where she raised her four children and where her grandchildren love to visit.

Ginny’s lobstering career began at the tender age of 8. She would accompany her father and brother on the boat, helping catch both lobster and sardines. The family sold their catch to local factories for processing but kept some for themselves. Even today, Ginny enjoys indulging in lobster rolls made with Maine lobster, a grilled bun, and a touch of mayo.

Apart from her lobstering skills, Ginny is also renowned for her baking expertise. She is particularly famous for her doughnuts, cakes, and brownies. Every week, Ginny’s family gathers at her home to enjoy her motherly and grandmotherly baked beans, a Sunday night tradition. While Ginny’s 75-year-old son, Max, has recently moved back home to support her, she remains independent and self-sufficient.

At over 100 years old, Ginny is well aware that her time is limited. However, she maintains a positive outlook, living by the motto, “You’re not gonna live forever, so why let it bother you.” Known as “The Boss,” Ginny is resilient and possesses a sharp sense of humor. When asked why she continues lobstering at 101, she confidently responds, “Because I want to.”

Despite her long career spanning 90+ years, Ginny has experienced relatively few injuries. Ironically, one of her more serious injuries was caused not by a lobster but by a crab. While gathering crabs for her son-in-law, one of them snipped her finger, requiring seven stitches. Ginny chuckles as she recalls the incident, joking that the crab would have cleanly severed her finger if there hadn’t been a bone in the way.

Beyond her personal concerns, Ginny worries about the state of Maine’s lobster population. Lobsters constitute approximately 82% of the state’s commercial fishing industry, but factors such as offshore wind development, tidal changes, and overfishing pose potential threats. Lobstermen are allotted a specific number of pots they can haul, and they must ensure that the lobsters they keep meet size requirements. This practice aims to foster the population by allowing juvenile crustaceans to mature and reproduce.

When questioned about retirement plans, Ginny firmly states that she will only retire “when I die.” She exhibits vitality and resilience that surpasses individuals half her age. Furthermore, she has the honor of having a boat named after her, a testament to her enduring legacy.

Virginia “Ginny” Oliver’s remarkable life revolves around her lifelong dedication to lobstering, her passion for baking, and her strong character. Despite her age, she remains active, humorous, and determined to continue pursuing her love for lobstering. Ginny’s story serves as an inspiration and a testament to the strength of the human spirit.