MAINE, USA — Linda Bean, the granddaughter of L.L. Bean and heir to the company who started several businesses of her own, has died.
Bean died Saturday. She was 82. Her passing was confirmed Sunday by her assistant and the general manager of her Freeport restaurant, Linda Bean's Maine Kitchen.
"Linda was known for her tremendous 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," read a written statement on behalf of the L.L.Bean company provided by a close assistant to Bean.
Bean served for many years on L.L.Bean's board of directors.
She had a significant impact on the Maine lobster industry, owning a lobster business and fishing wharves in several towns. She owned multiple restaurants that sold lobster rolls under her brand, Linda Bean's Perfect Maine. She ran another business for coastal house and cottage rentals.
Bean owned the popular Port Clyde General Store in Port Clyde, which burned down last fall. She planned to rebuild this year and was in the process of designing the new store.
Bean was active in Maine politics over the years, running for Congress twice, first in 1988 and again in 1992, when she secured the Republican nomination in Maine's First District.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills issued a statement Sunday in response to Bean's death.
"I was saddened to learn of the passing of Maine businesswoman and philanthropist Linda Bean. Linda’s career included nearly five decades on the board of the iconic company started by her grandfather, L.L.Bean, and successful ventures and investments in Maine’s lobster, real estate and hospitality industries. Linda generously contributed to the arts, to land conservation, to LifeFlight of Maine, and to efforts to restore and rebuild her beloved Port Clyde," Mills said in a news release. "While her politics did not align with mine, Linda and I found common ground in our mutual love of our home state, of the coast of Maine and our working waterfronts, of Maine inspired art and of the perfect Maine lobster roll. I enjoyed her company and admired her business acumen. 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."
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, also issued a statement on Bean's passing, noting her commitment to the state.
"Linda Bean loved the State of Maine. Its coastal communities, islands, and art, particularly by the Wyeths, had a special place in her heart. Linda also was an astute businesswoman who promoted Maine lobster through her restaurants," Collins said in a news release. "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.