Encarnación Reynaldo - Titanic Universe

Who was Mrs Encarnación Reynaldo?

Mrs Encarnación Reynaldo was a Spanish survivor of the Titanic disaster. Born in 1882 in Marbella, Spain, she survived the sinking as a second-class passenger and later settled in New York, where she lived until her death in 1964 at the age of 81 (eighty-one).

Early Life and Family

Spanish Roots

Encarnación Reynaldo was born on December 5, 1882, in Marbella, Málaga, Andalucía, Spain. She was the daughter of Christopher Reynaldo and Josefa Vernanaso. While details about her early life are limited, we know that she had at least one sibling:

A sister named Luisa, born in 1888

First Marriage and Tragedy

By 1911, Encarnación’s life had already been marked by both joy and sorrow:

She had been married for nine years
She had given birth to three children
Tragically, one of her children had died in infancy
Her husband had passed away, leaving her a widow

Life in London

Working for the Vasquez Family

In 1911, Encarnación was living and working in London. The UK census of that year provides us with some interesting details:

She resided at 7 Bergholt Crescent, Stamford Hill, Hackney
She was employed by the Henry Vasquez family, who were of Gibraltarian origin
This position likely provided her with stability following the loss of her husband

The Titanic Journey

Why was Encarnación on the Titanic?

Encarnación boarded the Titanic at Southampton on April 10, 1912, as a second-class passenger. Her reasons for travel were personal:

She was en route to visit her sister Luisa in New York
Luisa had emigrated to the United States in 1908
Luisa was living at 239 East 101st Street, New York

Titanic Ticket Details

Ticket Number: 230434
Ticket Cost: £13
Class: Second Class

A Rare Spanish Passenger

Encarnación’s presence on the Titanic was somewhat unique:

She was one of only five Spanish passengers travelling in second class
It’s unclear if she interacted with her fellow Spanish passengers during the voyage

Survival and Rescue

While specific details about Encarnación’s experience during the sinking are scarce, we know that:

She survived the disaster
She was rescued, though the specific lifeboat number is unknown
Upon arrival in New York, she spent time with her sister Luisa and Luisa’s husband

Life After the Titanic

A New Beginning in Puerto Rico

Following her survival of the Titanic disaster, Encarnación’s life took an unexpected turn:

She spent time in Puerto Rico
There, she met and married Bartolo Gonzalez
Bartolo was a native Puerto Rican, born in 1885
He worked as a cigar maker

Growing Family

Encarnación and Bartolo started their family in Puerto Rico:

Their first child, Delia, was born in Puerto Rico in 1913
The family later moved to New York
They had three more children in New York:
- Manuel (1916-1917)
- Juanita “Jenny” (born 1918)
- Bartolito (born 1920)

Unanswered Questions

Despite what we know about Encarnación’s life after the Titanic, some questions remain:

What became of her two surviving children from her first marriage?
Did she ever return to her native Spain?

Final Years

Encarnación’s later life was marked by both loss and longevity:

She was widowed for a second time when Bartolo passed away on December 18, 1936
She continued to live in Manhattan after her husband’s death
Encarnación passed away in February 1964 at the age of 81 (eighty-one)

Legacy of a Survivor

Encarnación Reynaldo’s life story is a testament to resilience and adaptability. From her origins in Spain to her survival of one of history’s most famous maritime disasters, and her subsequent life in Puerto Rico and New York, she navigated significant challenges and changes. Her experience as a Titanic survivor, though not widely documented, adds a unique perspective to the tapestry of stories from that fateful night in April 1912.