Mrs Margaretha Emerentia Frölicher-Stehli

Who was Margaretha Frölicher-Stehli?

Margaretha Emerentia Frölicher-Stehli was a 48 (forty-eight) year-old Swiss first-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born on February 15, 1864, she survived the tragic sinking and lived a long life, passing away at the age of 91 (ninety-one) on March 21, 1955. Her remarkable story of survival and resilience offers a unique glimpse into the experiences of Titanic passengers and the lasting impact of the disaster.

Early Life and Background

A Swiss Family of Distinction

Margaretha was born into a prominent Swiss family, the daughter of Emil Stehli-Hirt, a successful silk manufacturer. Her upbringing in Switzerland likely provided her with a privileged lifestyle and connections within the European elite.

Marriage and Family

On September 5, 1885, Margaretha married Maximilian Josef Frölicher, forming a union that would last nearly three decades. The couple had five children between 1886 and 1894, establishing a large and close-knit family. Their residence, “Villa Riesmatt” at 6 Mittelstrasse in Zürich, Switzerland, served as the family’s home base.

The Titanic Journey

Why did the Frölicher-Stehlis embark on their fateful voyage?

In early 1912, Margaretha embarked on a journey to America, accompanied by her husband Maximilian Josef Frölicher-Stehli and their daughter Hedwig Margaritha Frölicher. The family boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, occupying cabin B-41. Their ticket, number 13567, cost a substantial £79 4s, reflecting their first-class status.

A Poignant Farewell

On April 10, 1912, as the Titanic prepared to depart, Margaretha penned a heartfelt postcard to her youngest son, Willy:

“Before leaving of the steamer cordial greetings. We sail on a small ship out to the sea and were taken aboard the big steamer after about half an hour. Recommendations to the reverend - in love your Mum.”

This touching message, posted from the tender Nomadic, would be one of the last communications her family received before the disaster.

The Night of the Disaster

How did Margaretha experience the Titanic’s final hours?

On the night of April 14, Margaretha had already retired to bed but was awake when the Titanic collided with the iceberg. As chaos ensued, she found herself in a precarious situation:

• Her husband became agitated, and Margaretha worked to keep him calm
• Their daughter had been seasick, requiring Margaretha’s attention
• The family needed to quickly assess the situation and make life-saving decisions

Survival and Rescue

Amidst the panic and confusion, Margaretha and her family managed to secure spots on lifeboat 5. After a harrowing 3.5 hours adrift in the North Atlantic, they were rescued by the RMS Carpathia, joining the ranks of Titanic survivors.

Life After the Titanic

How did the Titanic disaster impact Margaretha’s life?

The aftermath of the Titanic sinking brought significant changes to Margaretha’s life:

1. Upon arriving in New York, she was greeted by her son Max and brother Emil
2. The family initially stayed at the Hotel Majestic on 72nd Street West
3. Margaretha and her daughter later moved in with her brother Emil
4. Her husband traveled to Canada for business before the family’s return to Switzerland

Return to Switzerland and Later Years

On May 21, 1912, the Frölicher-Stehli family embarked on their journey home aboard the Kronprinz Wilhelm, briefly stopping in London before continuing to Switzerland. Tragically, Margaretha’s husband passed away on November 22, 1913, just over a year after their Titanic ordeal.

Following her husband’s death, Margaretha became the central figure in her family, likely drawing on the strength and resilience she had demonstrated during the Titanic disaster.

Legacy of a Titanic Survivor

Margaretha Frölicher-Stehli’s life spanned an incredible 91 years, from the mid-19th century to the post-World War II era. Her experience as a Titanic survivor undoubtedly shaped her perspective and left an indelible mark on her family’s history.

On March 21, 1955, Margaretha, affectionately known as “Gritli,” passed away in her native Switzerland. She was laid to rest in Enzenbühl cemetery, Zürich, beside her husband, bringing full circle a life marked by both tragedy and resilience.

Margaretha’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the human experiences behind the Titanic disaster, illustrating how survivors carried their memories and adapted to life after such a monumental event.