Bridget Elizabeth (Bertha) Mulvihill

Who was Bridget Elizabeth “Bertha” Mulvihill?

Bridget Elizabeth “Bertha” Mulvihill was a 25-year-old (twenty-five-year-old) Irish woman who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Born on November 15, 1886, in Coosan, County Westmeath, Ireland, she was a third-class passenger on the ill-fated ship and later became known for her vivid recollections of the disaster.

Early Life and Family

Bertha was born into a large farming family in rural Ireland. Her parents were:

• Father: Martin Mulvihill (born circa 1858)
• Mother: Eliza Benson (born circa 1858)

As one of twelve children, Bertha grew up in a bustling household. Her siblings included:

• Peter (born December 7, 1878)
• Patrick (born February 28, 1881)
• Mary (born January 15, 1883)
• Kate (born March 11, 1885)
• Martin (born May 11, 1889)
• Margaret (born September 15, 1891)
• Annie (born December 14, 1893)
• Thomas James (born May 31, 1896)
• John (born December 26, 1898)
• Bernard (born January 20, 1900)
• Eliza (born February 15, 1903)

Life in America and Return to Ireland

What brought Bertha to America?

Bertha emigrated to the United States around 1904, seeking new opportunities like many young Irish people of her time. By 1910, she had established herself in New York City, working as a servant for a wealthy merchant on Central Park West. This period marked a significant change in her life, as she transitioned from rural Ireland to the bustling metropolis of New York.

Bertha’s Engagement and Return to Ireland

While in America, Bertha became engaged to Henry Francis Noon, an American-born foundry moulder of English descent. In September 1911, she made a poignant journey back to Ireland, reportedly aboard the Lusitania. The purpose of her visit was twofold:

1. To attend her sister Kate’s wedding
2. To collect items for her trousseau, including Irish linens

This trip home allowed Bertha to reconnect with her roots and prepare for her own upcoming nuptials.

The Titanic Journey

How did Bertha end up on the Titanic?

Bertha’s return to America was planned as a surprise for her sister and fiancé. She boarded the Titanic at Queenstown (now Cobh) as a third-class passenger, accompanied by fellow Westmeath natives Margaret Daly and Eugene Daly. Her ticket (number 382653) cost £7 15s, a significant sum at the time.

Bertha’s Titanic Experience

On the night of April 14, 1912, Bertha’s life changed forever. Here’s a timeline of her experience:

1. She was in bed, drifting off to sleep when a “heavy jar” startled her.
2. After a few minutes of confusion, she got up, put on a coat over her nightgown, and slipped on shoes.
3. Investigating the commotion, she witnessed people rushing about and heard confused shouts.
4. Realizing the gravity of the situation, she returned to her cabin to fetch a lifebelt.
5. With the Dalys, she made her way to the upper decks.
6. While entering a lifeboat (the number of which is uncertain), Bertha suffered broken ribs.
7. As the ship sank, she reported hearing explosions.

Survival and Aftermath

What happened to Bertha after the Titanic sank?

Bertha was among the survivors picked up by the Carpathia. Upon landing in New York, she was described as a 24-year-old waitress, heading to her sister Mrs. Edward (Mary) Norton at 12 Inkerman Street, Providence. The surprise of her return was compounded by the shocking circumstances:

• Her fiancé, Henry Noon, discovered her name on a list of survivors in a newspaper.
• He rushed to inform her sister, both having been unaware of her presence on the Titanic.

Bertha was reunited with her fiancé and brother-in-law Edward Norton upon disembarking from the Carpathia.

Life After the Titanic

How did the Titanic experience shape Bertha’s later life?

1. Marriage and Family: Bertha married Henry Noon on August 12, 1912, in Providence. They had five children:

   • Mary (born January 22, 1914)
   • Frances (born February 3, 1916)
   • Helen (born 1918, died December 21, 1928)
   • Ruth (born June 20, 1920)
   • Henry (born February 19, 1929)

2. Residence: By 1935, the family was living at 28 Wyndham Avenue, Providence.

3. Widowhood: Bertha became a widow when Henry Noon died on October 30, 1945.

4. Public Recognition: In April 1956, Bertha was featured in the Providence Journal, coinciding with the publication of “A Night to Remember.” She shared her vivid memories of the Titanic disaster.

5. Legacy: Bertha’s experiences as a Titanic survivor became part of the historical record, contributing to our understanding of the event.

Bertha’s Final Years

Bridget “Bertha” Mulvihill Noon passed away in Providence on October 15, 1959, at the age of 72 (seventy-two), following a battle with cancer. She was laid to rest at St. Francis Cemetery in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, leaving behind a legacy as a survivor of one of history’s most famous maritime disasters.

Bertha’s story encapsulates the immigrant experience, the tragedy of the Titanic, and the resilience of those who survived to build new lives in America. Her vivid recollections of that fateful night in April 1912 continue to provide valuable insights into the human experience of the Titanic disaster.