ROCKLAND — Virginia J. 'Ginny' Oliver, beloved worldwide as 'The Lobster Lady,' passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 21, 2026, after 105 years of inspiring all who knew her story.

Born June 6, 1920 at home in Rockland, Ginny spent her entire life on the same street where she first drew breath, just a few houses from her birthplace. She attended local Rockland schools and at age 8 began lobstering with her father, a partnership that would define her life. She later worked alongside her husband, Bill, and continued hauling traps with her son Max until she was 102 years young. A woman who never knew idleness, Ginny also spent decades in local manufacturing, working at Van Baalens, Bonnar Vawter, the Camden Pants Factory, and numerous sardine packing facilities.

Family was Ginny's true north. She raised four children with tireless devotion, filling her home with the aroma of fresh cooking and her legendary homemade donuts. Plain, molasses, and chocolate, countless batches emerged from her kitchen in the early morning hours, destined for neighbors, friends, and anyone fortunate enough to cross her threshold. Saturday evenings meant baked beans and biscuits, a ritual as dependable as the tides.

The nickname 'The Lobster Lady' came after a book immortalized her story, but international fame only magnified what those close to her already knew; Ginny Oliver was extraordinary. Her life has been celebrated in books, articles, and across social media platforms worldwide. Yet despite her renown, she remained quiet and humble, greeting everyone with a quick, radiant smile and eyes that literally twinkled. Ask about her life, and she'd tell you, always making certain you understood she loved every moment of it. She never wanted anyone to "fuss" over her, though her gentle voice and tender spirit made it impossible not to.

Ginny marks the end of an era. Her passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love this remarkable woman.

Predeceased by her husband, Maxwell ‘Bill’ Oliver; a daughter-in-law, Margaret ‘Peggy’ Oliver; and her brother and sister; Virginia is survived by her children, Margaret O. Hilt and her husband Donald, Jr. of Rockland, William ‘Bill’ Oliver of South Thomaston, Maxwell Oliver, Jr. and his good friend Charlotte Thompson both of Rockland, Charles Oliver, Sr. of Spruce Head; and two grandchildren, Karen Aylard and her husband Douglas and Charles Oliver, Jr.

A graveside service will be held Monday, June 8, 2026, at 2 p.m., at Achorn Cemetery, Old County Road, Rockland.

To share a memory or condolence with the Oliver family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.