Jane Quick

Who was Mrs Jane Quick?

Mrs Jane Quick was a remarkable 33 (thirty-three) year-old English-American woman who survived the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Born Jane Richards in Plymouth, England, she embarked on a journey that would not only test her courage but also make her a living testament to one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.

Early Life and Family

Jane Richards was born on August 31, 1878, in East Stonehouse, Plymouth, Devon, England. She grew up in a modest household at 22 Quay Street, the daughter of Thomas Richards, a tailor, and Mary Ann Richards. Jane, affectionately known as Janie, was part of a blended family:

• Brother: William Thomas
• Step-sisters: Bessie and Martha Maud Flowers (from her mother’s first marriage)

Marriage and New Beginnings

A Union in Plymouth

In 1902, Jane married Frederick Charles Quick, a skilled plasterer, in Plymouth. Their union marked the beginning of a new chapter in Jane’s life, one that would soon lead her across the Atlantic. The couple welcomed two daughters into their family:

• Phyllis May Quick
• Winifred Vera Quick

The American Dream

Seeking better opportunities, the Quick family made the bold decision to emigrate to Detroit, Michigan, around 1910. This move exemplified the aspirations of many European families during the early 20th century, hoping to “start a new life” in America.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

A Visit Home

In early 1912, Jane returned to Plymouth with her two daughters to visit relatives. Little did they know that their return journey would become a part of history.

Boarding the Titanic

The Quick family’s return to America was booked through Leaman & Co of Plymouth. They embarked on the RMS Titanic at Southampton as second-class passengers. Their ticket details were as follows:

The Night of the Disaster

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, Jane’s life changed forever. Her experience during the Titanic’s sinking showcases both her quick thinking and maternal instinct:

1. Awakened by the collision, Jane initially dismissed it.
2. She decided to get up, pulling a dark skirt over her nightgown.
3. A crewman alerted her to the gravity of the situation.
4. Jane woke her children and prepared them for evacuation.
5. Carrying Phyllis wrapped in a shawl and guiding Winifred, she made her way to A-Deck.
6. Male passengers assisted in fitting Phyllis with a lifebelt while Jane donned her own.

Rescue and Survival

Mrs. Quick and her two daughters were among the fortunate survivors, rescued in lifeboat 11. This harrowing experience would shape the rest of Jane’s life, becoming a story she would share for decades to come.

Life After the Titanic

Settling in America

Following the disaster, Mrs. Quick decided to remain in America permanently. The family established roots in Michigan, specifically at 1497 Roslyn Road, Grosse Pointe Woods, Wayne County.

Expanding Family

Jane and Frederick welcomed two more daughters in America:

• Vivian (born June 19, 1913; died February 15, 1997) - married Earl L. Reavie
• Virginia (born 1918) - later married William Nantias

A Voice of History

For many years, Jane traveled across the country, sharing her Titanic experiences with captivated theater audiences. Her firsthand account provided invaluable insights into one of the most studied maritime disasters in history.

What was Jane Quick’s legacy?

Jane Quick’s legacy is multifaceted:

1. Survivor’s Voice: She became a living link to the Titanic tragedy, helping to keep the memory and lessons of the disaster alive.
2. Resilience: Her ability to rebuild her life after such a traumatic event showcases human resilience.
3. Historical Record: Jane’s accounts contribute significantly to our understanding of the Titanic disaster from a second-class passenger’s perspective.

Final Years

Jane Quick lived a long life, passing away on February 24, 1965, at the age of 86 (eighty-six). She died of a coronary at the Bon Secours Hospital in Grosse Pointe. Her final resting place is alongside her husband Frederick (who passed in 1959) at the Cadillac Memorial Gardens East in Clinton Township, Macomb County.

Jane Quick’s journey from a small town in England to a Titanic survivor and eventually an American citizen encapsulates the dramatic social changes and historical events of the early 20th century. Her story continues to fascinate historians and Titanic enthusiasts, serving as a poignant reminder of both the tragedy and the indomitable human spirit.