Katriina Jussila
Miss Katriina Jussila
Who was Katriina Jussila?
Miss Katriina Jussila was a 20 (twenty) year-old Finnish passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born in 1892, she was a third-class passenger and servant who embarked on the ship at Southampton, tragically losing her life in the disaster on April 15, 1912.
Early Life and Background
Finnish Roots
Katriina Jussila was born in 1892 in Paavola, Oulu, Finland. She was the daughter of Ilkka and Sofia Jussila, part of a large family that included at least six younger siblings. Growing up in Finland, Katriina learned the skills that would lead her to seek work as a servant.
Family Ties and Aspirations
The Jussila family, like many others of their time, looked to America for opportunities. Katriina and her sister, Aina Maria, planned to visit their uncle in New York, who ran a Finnish employment agency. This connection promised potential work and a new life in the United States.
The Titanic Journey
Why did Katriina board the Titanic?
Katriina Jussila boarded the Titanic at Southampton with her sister Aina Maria, seeking new opportunities in America. Their journey was financed by an aunt, who paid $99.50 for their passage, hoping the money would be refunded once the sisters found employment.
Ticket and Accommodation Details
- Class: 3rd Class
- Ticket Number: 4136
- Fare: £9 16s 10d
Katriina’s third-class ticket cost £9 16s 10d, a significant sum for the time, reflecting the family’s investment in the sisters’ future.
Fate During the Disaster
What happened to Katriina on the night of April 14-15, 1912?
Tragically, both Katriina and her sister Aina Maria perished in the sinking of the Titanic. As third-class passengers, their chances of survival were significantly lower than those in first and second class.
“Both women died in the sinking, their bodies were never found.”
The loss of the Jussila sisters was a devastating blow to their family back in Finland, who were partially dependent on their earnings.
Legacy and Impact
Financial Compensation
The Jussila family received compensation for their tragic loss:
| Source | Amount |
|---|---|
| General Compensation | £75 |
| Daily Telegraph Fund | £10 |
| English Committee | £110 |
Red Cross Fund Report
The Red Cross Fund report (No. 226) provides insight into the sisters’ situation and the impact of their loss:
“Two sisters, 22 and 18 years old, were drowned, while coming to take positions here at domestic service. Their parents and six younger brothers and sisters were dependent, in part, upon their earnings. They had with them 670 Finnish marks and clothing valued at 450 Finnish marks, all of which was lost.”
Lasting Memory
Katriina Jussila’s story, though tragic, serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives lost in the Titanic disaster. Her journey represents the hopes and dreams of countless immigrants seeking a better life, cut short by one of history’s most infamous maritime tragedies.
The loss of Katriina and her sister highlights the disproportionate impact the disaster had on third-class passengers, many of whom were immigrants embarking on a journey for a new life in America.
Andre Nolan is an avid Titanic historian and the creator of TitanicUniverse.com, a website dedicated to uncovering the untold stories and forgotten details behind the famous ocean liner.
With a lifelong passion for maritime history, Andre has spent over a decade researching the Titanic, from the personal lives of passengers and crew to the engineering marvels that made the ship an icon of its era.
When he's not immersed in Titanic lore, Andre enjoys connecting with fellow maritime history lovers, exploring historic ships and shipwrecks.