Miss Louise Laroche

Who was Louise Laroche?

Louise Laroche was a 1 (one) year old French and Haitian passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on July 2, 1910, in Paris, she was one of the youngest survivors of the tragic maritime disaster. Louise’s remarkable story of survival and her long life in the aftermath of the Titanic’s sinking make her a notable figure in the ship’s history.

Early Life and Family Background

A Multicultural Heritage

Louise Laroche was born into a family with a unique cultural background:

• Father: Joseph Philippe Lemercier Laroche (French-Haitian)
• Mother: Juliette Marie Louise Laroche (French)
• Sister: Simonne Marie Anne Andrée Laroche

Her father, Joseph Philippe Lemercier Laroche, was one of the few passengers of African descent on the Titanic. This multicultural heritage set the Laroche family apart from many other passengers on the ship.

The Titanic Journey

Why did the Laroche family board the Titanic?

The Laroche family boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, on April 10, 1912. They were second-class passengers traveling to Haiti, where Joseph hoped to find better opportunities and escape racial discrimination in France.

Journey Details:

The Fateful Night

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg, the Laroche family’s world was turned upside down.

How did Louise Laroche survive the Titanic disaster?

Louise, along with her mother Juliette Marie Louise Laroche and sister Simonne Marie Anne Andrée Laroche, were among the fortunate survivors of the tragedy. They were possibly rescued in lifeboat 10, which was one of the last to leave the sinking ship.

The survival of the Laroche women stands in stark contrast to the fate of Joseph, who tragically perished in the disaster.

Life After the Titanic

A Long Life Touched by History

Louise Laroche’s life after the Titanic was marked by resilience and longevity:

• She never married
• Lived most of her life in Paris
• Passed away on January 28, 1998, at the age of 87 (eighty-seven)

What impact did the Titanic have on Louise’s life?

The Titanic disaster undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Louise’s life. As one of the youngest survivors, she carried the weight of this historical event throughout her years. The loss of her father at such a young age and the experience of being rescued from the sinking ship likely shaped her worldview and life choices.

Legacy

Louise Laroche’s story represents a unique intersection of history, race, and survival. As a child survivor of the Titanic and a member of one of the few multiracial families on board, her life serves as a testament to the diverse array of passengers affected by the disaster.

How is Louise Laroche remembered today?

Today, Louise Laroche is remembered as:

1. One of the youngest Titanic survivors
2. A member of a notable multicultural family aboard the ship
3. A link to the Titanic’s history that endured well into the late 20th century

Her story continues to fascinate historians and Titanic enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the long-term impact of the disaster on its youngest survivors.