Florentina Durán I Moné

Who was Miss Florentina Durán i Moné?

Miss Florentina Durán i Moné was a 30 (thirty) year-old Spanish woman who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. She was a second-class passenger traveling with her sister Asuncion from Cherbourg to New York City, en route to Havana, Cuba.

Early Life and Family

Spanish Roots

Florentina Durán i Moné was born in 1882 in San Adrián, located in the Province of Lérida, Spain. Her family background reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Catalonia region.

Family Connections

Prior to her fateful journey on the Titanic, Florentina had been visiting her father, Ramon Duran, in Barcelona. This personal detail gives us a glimpse into her close family ties and the purpose of her travels before embarking on her transatlantic voyage.

The Titanic Journey

Embarkation and Ticket Details

Florentina boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, as a second-class passenger. She was accompanied by her sister, Asuncion Durán i Moné, adding a layer of familial support to their adventure. Their ticket details were as follows:

• Ticket Number: SC/PARIS 2148
• Price: £13 17s 2d
• Class: Second Class

Survival and Rescue

On that fateful night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Florentina and her sister managed to survive the disaster. They were among the fortunate passengers rescued by the RMS Carpathia, having escaped the sinking ship in lifeboat 12.

Post-Titanic Life

Journey to Cuba

After their rescue and arrival in New York City, the Durán sisters continued their planned journey to Havana, Cuba. Interestingly, Florentina had already made arrangements for this leg of her trip:

• Ticket purchased on April 6, 1912
• Price: £3 1s 9d
• Bought from White Star Agent N. Martin in Paris
• Planned to travel on a vessel of the Ward Line

Destination and Purpose

Florentina’s final destination was the home of Tomas Benedicto, located at Plaza del Vapor in Havana, Cuba. This detail suggests she may have had connections or employment opportunities awaiting her in Cuba.

Marriage and Later Life

A Titanic Love Story

In a twist of fate, Florentina Durán i Moné married Julian Padron Manent, a fellow second-class passenger from the Titanic. Their shared experience of survival likely created a strong bond between them.

Life in Cuba

The couple settled in Cuba after their marriage. Despite their dramatic beginning, they led a quiet life together and did not have any children.

Legacy

Florentina Durán i Moné passed away in 1959 at the age of 77 (seventy-seven). She was laid to rest in Colon Cemetery, Havana, carrying with her a remarkable story of survival and resilience.

Her life, from her Spanish roots to her Titanic survival and subsequent life in Cuba, serves as a testament to the diverse and often extraordinary lives of Titanic passengers. Florentina’s story continues to fascinate historians and Titanic enthusiasts, offering a personal perspective on one of history’s most famous maritime disasters.