Who was Anna Sofia Turja?

Miss Anna Sofia Turja was a remarkable survivor of the Titanic disaster, whose journey from Finnish immigrant to American citizen encapsulates the dreams and struggles of many who sought a new life across the Atlantic in the early 20th century. Born on June 20, 1893, in Oulainen, Oulu, Finland, Anna was just 18 years old (eighteen) when she embarked on a voyage that would forever change her life and secure her place in history.

Early Life and Family

Anna Sofia Turja grew up in a large Finnish family, the daughter of Heikki Turja and Sanna Hakala. Her father, Heikki, had an astonishing 21 children in total, spanning two marriages. This expansive family background perhaps instilled in Anna the resilience and adaptability that would serve her well in the challenges to come.

The Journey to America

Why did Anna leave Finland?

Anna’s journey to America was motivated by the promise of opportunity and family connections. She had been offered a job with John Lundi, the husband of her half-sister Maria, in Ashtabula, Ohio. Additionally, Anna had a brother, Matt Turja, living in Conneaut, Ohio. These family ties in America provided a beacon of hope and a support system for the young Finnish woman.

The Fateful Voyage

On April 3, 1912, Anna mailed a letter from Hangö (Hanko), the southernmost port in Finland, to her sister. In this correspondence, she mentioned that she and about 100 other Finns were preparing to sail and connect with the Titanic. Little did she know that this letter, which her sister would receive on April 18th, would be a poignant prelude to one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

Titanic Experience

Boarding and Accommodation

Anna boarded the Titanic in Southampton, traveling as a third-class passenger. Her ticket number was 4138, and she paid 9 pounds and 16 shillings for her passage, equivalent to about $16 at the time. She shared a cabin with Maria Panula, her children, and a neighbor named Sanni Riihivuori.

The Night of the Disaster

On the night of April 14, 1912, Anna’s life changed forever. Here’s how the events unfolded for her:

1. Anna was awakened by the collision with the iceberg, describing it as “like a shudder.”
2. Initially, she thought there was an issue with the ship’s engines.
3. A fellow passenger’s brother warned them to dress warmly and don life jackets.
4. Anna remained calm, but witnessed others fainting and panicking.
5. She saw Maria Panula dressing her children in a state of despair.
6. As they made their way to the deck, a seaman tried to stop them, but Anna and her group persisted.
7. They reached the boat deck by chance, where Anna heard the band playing.

Rescue and Survival

Anna was rescued from the sinking Titanic, though the specific lifeboat she boarded is unknown. Her account of the rescue provides chilling details:

• She heard explosions and saw the ship’s lights go out as they pulled away.
• The lifeboat was close to the Titanic when it sank.
• Anna described the cries for help as “almost like a hymn,” lasting for hours.
• In the lifeboat, passengers burned hats and other items to signal other lifeboats.

Life After the Titanic

Arrival in America

After being rescued by the Carpathia, Anna was taken to St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York. The White Star Line paid for her hospital bill and train ticket to Ashtabula, Ohio. She arrived there on the “Nickel Plate” train, greeted by her brother Matti Turja.

Building a New Life

Anna’s life in America took unexpected turns:

• She didn’t take the job with her brother-in-law as originally planned.
• She met and married Emil Lundi.
• The couple had seven children: Marvin, Ruth, Paul, Martin, Milton, Ellen, and Ethel.
• Anna never became fluent in English, relying on her children to interpret for her.

Legacy and Later Years

Anna Sofia Turja’s experience on the Titanic left a lasting impact on her life. In 1953, when she watched the movie “Titanic,” her son had to interpret for her. After the film, she poignantly asked, “If they were so close to take those pictures, why didn’t someone help us?”

Emil Lundi passed away in 1952, and Anna lived for another three decades. She died on December 20, 1982, in Long Beach, California, at the age of 89 (eighty-nine). Her final resting place is in Edgewater Cemetery, Ashtabula, Ohio.

Anna Sofia Turja’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience in the face of tragedy and the ability to build a new life from the ashes of disaster. Her journey from a young Finnish immigrant to a Titanic survivor and eventually a mother of seven in America encapsulates the dreams, struggles, and triumphs of countless immigrants who sought a better life across the Atlantic in the early 20th century.