Miss Manca Karun

Who was Manca Karun?

Miss Manca Karun was a 5 (five) year-old third-class passenger on the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born in 1907 in Austria-Hungary (modern-day Slovenia), she survived the tragic sinking and went on to live a long life, passing away in 1971 at the age of 64 (sixty-four).

Early Life and Background

Manca Karun was born into a Slovenian family in 1907, during a time when her homeland was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Despite her young age, she was about to embark on a life-changing journey across the Atlantic Ocean.

What was Manca’s nationality?

Manca held dual nationality:

• Slovenian
• Austrian

This dual nationality reflected the complex political landscape of Central Europe in the early 20th century.

The Titanic Journey

How did Manca come to be on the Titanic?

In April 1912, 5-year-old Manca boarded the RMS Titanic at Cherbourg, France, accompanied by her father, Franz Karun. They were bound for Galesburg, Illinois, seeking new opportunities in America.

Titanic Ticket Details

The Fateful Night

What happened to Manca during the Titanic disaster?

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Manca Karun’s young life hung in the balance. Fortunately, both Manca and her father Franz Karun were among the survivors of the disaster. The details of their rescue remain unclear, as no specific lifeboat number is recorded for their escape.

The survival of young Manca Karun serves as a poignant reminder of the children whose lives were forever changed by the Titanic tragedy.

Life After the Titanic

Did Manca stay in America after the disaster?

Contrary to their original plans, the Karun family’s American dream was short-lived. About a year after the Titanic disaster, Manca and her family returned to their homeland, then still part of Austria-Hungary (now Slovenia).

What became of Manca’s siblings?

While Manca’s four siblings eventually returned to the United States, Manca herself chose to remain in Slovenia. This decision shaped the course of her life and led to the establishment of her own family in her native land.

Family Life

Manca Karun married Anton Juvan and settled in Slovenia. Together, they raised a family of four children:

1. Toucka Juvan
2. Marjan Juvan (1940-1991)
3. Anica Juvan (married Tone Kosnjek)
4. Lojzka Juvan (born 1946, married Tone Zorman)

Maintaining Ties with America

Despite choosing to live in Slovenia, Manca never forgot her connection to America. She made occasional visits to relatives in the United States, maintaining ties with the country that could have been her home.

A Memorable Visit

In 1961, nearly 50 years after the Titanic disaster, Manca’s visit to America was noteworthy enough to be reported in the local press. The Cleveland Plain Dealer captured a touching moment on March 7, 1961, showing Manca with her brother Frank, sharing a piece of candy - a simple gesture that spoke volumes about their enduring family bond.

Legacy

Manca Karun passed away in September 1971 in Slovenia, at the age of 64 (sixty-four). Her life spanned two world wars, the dissolution of empires, and the reshaping of Europe. Today, some of her descendants continue to live in Milje, Slovenia, carrying forward the legacy of a young girl who survived one of the most famous maritime disasters in history.

As one of the youngest survivors of the Titanic, Manca Karun’s story serves as a reminder of the far-reaching impact of historical events on individual lives. Her journey from a child passenger on the Titanic to a grandmother in Slovenia encapsulates a unique 20th-century narrative of survival, migration, and the enduring bonds of family across continents.