Linda Bean Obituary: Entrepreneur and granddaughter of LL Bean, died at 82

Linda Bean Obituary: Linda L. Bean, a granddaughter of the renowned outdoor retailer L.L. Bean, passed away at the age of 82.

A multifaceted individual, Linda was an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and conservative activist. Her death was confirmed by her business manager, Veronika Carlson, on Sunday, with no cause specified.

Known for her independent spirit, Linda made a mark in the business world with ventures like Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine, Linda Bean’s Maine Lobster, and Linda Bean’s Maine Kitchen and Topside Tavern in Freeport.

She lived in Port Clyde and dedicated her time to various philanthropic endeavors, serving on the boards of organizations like the Maine Historical Society, the Maine chapter of The Nature Conservancy, and the Portland Museum of Art.

Despite her political differences, Democratic Governor Janet Mills acknowledged Linda’s shared love for Maine, particularly its coast, the working waterfront, and Maine-inspired art. Linda’s grandfather, Leon Leonwood Bean, founded L.L. Bean in 1912, and Linda served on the company’s board for nearly 50 years.

Beyond her business ventures, Linda was deeply involved in Maine’s lobster industry, founding the Perfect Maine Lobster brand in 2007 and owning several general stores, inns, and vacation rentals along Maine’s central coast.

She was instrumental in securing a sustainability certification for Maine’s lobster industry in 2013, though this certification was later withdrawn in 2022 due to concerns about its impact on whales.