Miss Lillian Gertrud Asplund

Who was Lillian Gertrud Asplund?

Lillian Gertrud Asplund was a 5 (five) year-old American passenger aboard the RMS Titanic who survived the tragic sinking on April 15, 1912. She holds the distinction of being the last living Titanic survivor with actual memories of the disaster, passing away on May 6, 2006, at the age of 99 (ninety-nine).

Early Life and Background

A Swedish-American Family

Born on October 21, 1906, in Worcester, Massachusetts, Lillian was the daughter of Carl and Selma Asplund. Her family had roots in Alsema, located in the Smaland region of Sweden, but had settled in Massachusetts for several years before her birth. Lillian was a fraternal twin, with her brother Carl Edgar being her twin sibling.

Return to Sweden and Plans for America

In 1907, the Asplund family returned to Sweden to settle Mr. Asplund’s father’s estate and care for his mother. By 1912, Lillian’s father was ready to resume his position as a laborer at Spencer Wire Works in Worcester. The family was eagerly anticipating their return to the United States, where four of Lillian’s aunts and their families resided in Worcester.

The Titanic Journey

Embarking on a Fateful Voyage

Class: 3rd Class
Port of Embarkation: Southampton
Ticket Number: 347077
Fare: £31 7s (31 pounds, 7 shillings)

Lillian, along with her parents and siblings, boarded the Titanic at Southampton as third-class passengers. The family’s excitement for their new life in America was palpable as they settled into their accommodations on the ship.

What Happened on the Night of the Disaster?

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, Lillian’s life changed forever. She recalled being passed through what she described as a window (later identified as the First Class Promenade Deck) into a descending lifeboat. As she looked back up at the sinking Titanic, she saw a haunting sight that would stay with her for life:

“I remember being passed through what I described as a window into a descending lifeboat and looking back up at the sinking Titanic. I saw my father holding my twin, with my two older brothers on each side of them, peering over the rail at me. That image haunted me for much of my life.”

Lillian was rescued alongside her mother and younger brother, Felix, in Lifeboat 10. Tragically, her father and three brothers, including her twin Carl, remained on board and perished in the disaster.

Life After the Titanic

Return to Worcester and Community Support

After being rescued by the Carpathia, Lillian and her surviving family members were taken to St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City. Upon their eventual return to Worcester, they stayed at 151 Vernon St., the home of Lillian’s aunt and uncle.

The family had lost all their possessions, including their life savings, in the Titanic disaster. In response, the city of Worcester organized a successful fundraiser, collecting nearly $2,000 to support the Asplunds. This money was invested, with interest paid to the family and access to funds as needed.

A Quiet Life in Massachusetts

Lillian’s life after the Titanic was marked by:

Employment in various secretarial jobs in Worcester
Early retirement to care for her elderly mother
Moving to Shrewsbury, Massachusetts in 1951
Never marrying or having children

What Was Lillian’s Legacy as a Titanic Survivor?

Lillian Gertrud Asplund’s significance in Titanic history is profound:

She was the last living survivor with actual memories of the disaster
Her longevity provided a living link to the Titanic tragedy for nearly a century
Despite her unique status, she declined to discuss the disaster publicly, maintaining a private connection to her experiences

Final Years and Passing

Lillian lived a quiet life in Massachusetts until her death on May 6, 2006, at the age of 99 (ninety-nine). In her later years, she enjoyed:

Gardening
Tending to flowers, especially roses
Indulging in her favorite snack: pepperoni pizza

As the last Titanic survivor with memories of the event, Lillian’s passing marked the end of an era, closing a direct link to one of the most famous maritime disasters in history.

Lillian Gertrud Asplund remains a poignant figure in the story of the Titanic’s third-class survivors, her long life a testament to the enduring impact of that fateful night in April 1912.