Ida Lefebvre

Who was Miss Ida Lefebvre?

Miss Ida Lefebvre was a young French passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. At just 3 (three) years old, she was one of the youngest victims of the tragic maritime disaster that occurred on April 15, 1912. Ida’s story is a poignant reminder of the many innocent lives lost during that fateful night.

Early Life and Family

Ida Lefebvre was born on December 26, 1908, in France. She was part of a close-knit family that included:

• Frances Marie Lefebvre (mother)
• Henry Lefebvre (brother)
• Jeannie Lefebvre (sister)
• Mathilde Lefebvre (sister)

The Lefebvre family’s journey to the Titanic was likely filled with hope and excitement, as many European families at the time were emigrating to seek better opportunities in North America.

The Titanic Journey

How did the Lefebvre family come to be on the Titanic?

The Lefebvre family boarded the Titanic at Southampton, England, on April 10, 1912. They were traveling as third-class passengers, reflecting the common experience of many immigrant families of the era.

Ticket and Accommodation Details

• Ticket Number: 4133
• Class: 3rd Class
• Ticket Cost: £25 9s (25 pounds, 9 shillings)

This ticket price, equivalent to about £3,000 in today’s currency, represented a significant investment for a family of modest means, underscoring their commitment to seeking a new life across the Atlantic.

The Tragic Night

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, the Lefebvre family faced unimaginable circumstances. Third-class passengers, located in the lower decks of the ship, often had limited access to lifeboats and faced significant challenges in reaching the boat deck.

What happened to Ida and her family?

Tragically, Ida Lefebvre, along with her mother and three siblings, did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. The loss of entire families was not uncommon in this disaster, but the Lefebvre family’s story stands out due to the young ages of the children involved.

Legacy and Remembrance

The story of Ida Lefebvre and her family has been preserved through historical research and documentation. Their tale serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster, particularly its impact on immigrant families and young children.

How are the Lefebvres remembered today?

The Lefebvre family’s story has been chronicled by researchers and Titanic historians. Notably, Olivier Mendez has written about “The Lefebvre Family,” providing valuable insights into their lives and tragic end.

Reflections on Child Passengers

Ida Lefebvre’s young age at the time of the disaster highlights a particularly heart-wrenching aspect of the Titanic tragedy. Children, especially those traveling in third class, were among the most vulnerable passengers on the ship.

What was life like for child passengers on the Titanic?

For the brief time they were aboard, children like Ida might have found the massive ship both exciting and bewildering. Third-class accommodations, while basic, were still considered comfortable by the standards of immigrant travel at the time. However, the joy of the journey was tragically cut short for Ida and many other young passengers.

The story of Ida Lefebvre, a three-year-old girl who never had the chance to reach her destination, serves as a poignant reminder of the dreams and potential lost in the icy waters of the North Atlantic that April night in 1912.