FILE - Linda Bean poses for a photo with a friend at a campaign rally held by Eric Trump for his father, Donald Trump, Sept. 17, 2020, in Saco, Maine. Bean, a granddaughter of famed outdoors retailer L.L. Bean, who became an entrepreneur, philanthropist and conservative activist, has died at age 82. Bean died Saturday, March 23, 2024, her business manager, Veronika Carlson, confirmed in a written statement Sunday, March 24. No cause was given.
Bean’s grandfather, Leon Leonwood Bean, founded the company in 1912. It grew through its popular catalogue, offering durable products such as rubber-bottomed boots that came with a lifetime guarantee. Her philanthropic efforts included supporting LifeFlight of Maine medical helicopters and the Maine Botanical Gardens at Boothbay, as well as promoting the life of early 20th century illustrator and artist N.C. Wyeth, the father of the famous painter Andrew Wyeth, and preserving the family’s properties.