Linda L. Bean, entrepreneur and granddaughter of L.L. Bean founder, dies at 82
Linda L. Bean, the granddaughter of L.L. Bean founder Leon Leonwood Bean, died Saturday at the age of 82, according to multiple reports.
The Associated Press reports Bean's death was confirmed by her business manager, Veronika Carlson, in a written statement Sunday and that no cause was given.
"I was saddened to learn of the passing of Maine businesswoman and philanthropist Linda Bean," Maine Gov. Janet T. Mills said in a statement. "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."
"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," Mills said in the statement.
Bean's grandfather founded L.L. Bean in 1912, according to the company's website, and opened its original store in Freeport, Maine in 1917. The company currently operates 39 retail stores outside of Maine, spanning as far south as Virginia and as far west as Utah.
Bean served on the company's board for nearly 50 years, according to the Associated Press, and also bought lobster dealerships and founded the Perfect Maine Lobster brand in 2007. She also owned general stores, inns and vacation rentals on Maine's central coast.
Bean was also a donor to Republican causes and twice campaigned unsuccessfully for Congress, in 1988 and 1992, according to the Associated Press. She ran as an opponent of abortion rights, gay rights legislation and gun control.
The Bangor Daily News also reports that Bean served on the boards of numerous philanthropic organizations including the Maine Historical Society and the Maine chapter of the Nature Conservancy.
Funeral information was not available as of Sunday afternoon, according to the Bangor Daily News.
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Linda L. Bean dies: Granddaughter of L.L. Bean founder dead at 82
