Linda Lorraine Bean, whose grandfather founded L.L. Bean, died on Saturday, March 23, at the age of 82.
Bean was a businesswoman who founded Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine and Linda Bean’s Maine Lobster among other ventures.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Linda L. Bean,” said Veronika Carlson, president of Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine. “Linda was known for her amazing work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit as well as her pride and dedication to her home state of Maine and L.L.Bean, the company her grandfather founded.”
Bean lived in Port Clyde, where she had purchased her first wharf for her lobster business in 2007. She bought wharfs in Tenants Harbor and Vinalhaven as well, and semi-retired in 2016, converting the business to an employee stock ownership plan, as she described it in 2017 to Bangor Daily News.
She also owned timberland in western Maine, including sugarbushes in Weld and Wyman. Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine offered hospitality industry amenities such as vacation rentals and wedding sites. She also owned two general stores in St. George, and multiple other businesses, including Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine Lobster.
Bean served on the boards of several philanthropic organizations including Maine Historical Society, the Maine chapter of The Nature Conservancy and the Portland Museum of Art.
She also had political aspirations and ran for Congress in the 1st District in 1988 and 1992. She lost the Republican nomination in the first one and lost in the general election in the second attempt.
“Linda Bean loved the state of Maine. Its coastal communities, islands and art, particularly by the Wyeths, had a special place in her heart,” U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said Sunday while also recognizing Bean’s business ability.
“Many a time while waiting for my plane in Portland, I had a cup of her famous lobster stew at her airport restaurant. My heart goes out to her sons and other family members as they mourn the loss of this remarkable Mainer,” she said.
Democratic Gov. Janet Mills said Sunday that although she and Bean did not agree politically, they had common ground in their love of Maine, including its coast and the working waterfront, and of Maine-inspired art and a perfect lobster roll. Mills said she enjoyed Bean’s company and admired her business abilities.
“I was saddened to learn of the passing of Maine businesswoman and philanthropist Linda Bean,” Mills said. “On behalf of the people of Maine, I extend deep condolences to Linda’s family and loved ones and to the entire L.L.Bean community.”
Funeral information was not available Sunday afternoon.
“Our hearts go out to her family and friends,” Carlson said.