Who was Mrs Antonine Marie Mallet?

Mrs Antonine Marie Mallet was a French survivor of the RMS Titanic disaster. Born on December 16, 1887, in Paris, France, she was 24 (twenty-four) years old when she boarded the ill-fated ship at Cherbourg as a second-class passenger. Her remarkable story of survival and subsequent life journey makes her a notable figure in Titanic history.

Early Life and Family

Antonine Marie Mallet, née Magnin, was born into a French family in the bustling city of Paris. While details of her early life are limited, we know that she had family ties in Paris, with a possible maternal connection at 17 Place Maubert.

Marriage and Life in Montreal

A Trans-Atlantic Love Story

Antonine married Albert Mallet, a cognac importer who worked in Montreal, Canada. This union brought her across the Atlantic, where the couple established their home at 210 Hutchison Street, Montreal. Their family grew with the birth of their son, André.

The Fateful Journey

In 1912, the Mallet family embarked on a journey that would change their lives forever. They had been visiting relatives in Paris and were returning to their home in Montreal. Little did they know that their return trip would become a part of one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

The Titanic Experience

Boarding the “Unsinkable” Ship

On April 10, 1912, Antonine, along with her husband Albert and young son André, boarded the RMS Titanic at Cherbourg, France. They were traveling as second-class passengers, a reflection of their comfortable but not extravagant lifestyle.

Ticket Details:

Ticket Number: 2079
Class: 2nd Class
Fare: £37

The Night of the Disaster

When the Titanic struck an iceberg on the night of April 14, 1912, the Mallet family’s world was turned upside down. In the chaos that ensued, Antonine and her son André managed to secure a place in a lifeboat, possibly Lifeboat 10. Tragically, her husband Albert did not survive the sinking.

Survival and Immediate Aftermath

Rescue by the Carpathia

Antonine and André were among the fortunate survivors picked up by the RMS Carpathia. The mother and son had endured a harrowing night in the freezing North Atlantic, but they were alive.

Arrival in New York

Upon reaching New York City, Antonine’s ordeal was not yet over. She was first sent to St. Vincent’s Hospital, likely for treatment and observation following the traumatic experience.

Life After the Titanic

Return to Montreal and France

After her hospital stay, Antonine briefly returned to her home in Montreal. However, the pull of her homeland proved strong, and she soon made the decision to return to France.

A New Chapter

In 1918, six years after the Titanic disaster, Antonine found love again. She married Leonivas Rodomanowski, beginning a new chapter in her life under the name Antonine Rodomanowski.

Legacy and Final Years

Antonine Rodomanowski (formerly Mallet, née Magnin) lived a long life, carrying with her the memories of that fateful night in April 1912. She passed away near Paris on October 22, 1974, at the age of 86 (eighty-six).

Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the human impact of the Titanic disaster. Antonine’s resilience in the face of tragedy, her ability to rebuild her life, and her longevity offer a unique perspective on the long-term effects of surviving such a monumental historical event.

Antonine Marie Mallet’s life journey from a young Parisian woman to a Titanic survivor and beyond encapsulates the extraordinary experiences of those who lived through one of the most famous maritime disasters in history. Her story continues to fascinate Titanic historians and enthusiasts, providing a personal connection to an event that has captivated the world for over a century.