Mrs Maria Elias Caram

Who was Maria Elias Caram?

Maria Elias Caram was an 18 (eighteen) year-old third-class passenger on the ill-fated RMS Titanic. A Syrian-Lebanese housekeeper, she embarked on a journey that would tragically end her young life and leave her story as one of the many heartbreaking tales from the Titanic disaster.

Early Life and Background

Born in 1894, Maria Elias Caram hailed from Kfar Mishki, Lebanon. As a young woman, she had already established herself in the working world as a housekeeper. Her marriage to Joseph Caram at such a young age was not uncommon for her time and culture, reflecting the social norms of early 20th century Lebanon.

What was Maria’s occupation?

Maria worked as a housekeeper, a profession that likely prepared her for the challenges of setting up a new life in a foreign land. Her skills would have been valuable as she and her husband planned to establish themselves in Ottawa, Ontario.

The Titanic Journey

Embarkation and Ticket Details

Maria boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, alongside her husband Joseph. They were among the many passengers seeking new opportunities across the Atlantic. The couple’s ticket details were as follows:

Who accompanied Maria on her journey?

Maria was not alone on this fateful voyage. She traveled with her husband, Joseph Caram, and several others from their hometown of Kfar Mishki. This group of travelers likely provided comfort and familiarity as they embarked on their life-changing journey to North America.

Fate During the Disaster

Tragically, Maria Elias Caram did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. At the young age of 18 (eighteen), her life was cut short on April 15, 1912, when the “unsinkable” ship met its doom in the frigid North Atlantic waters.

Was Maria’s body ever recovered?

Mrs Caram lost her life in the disaster. Her body, if recovered, was never identified.

This poignant statement encapsulates the final chapter of Maria’s story. Like many victims of the Titanic disaster, her remains were either never found or could not be identified, adding another layer of tragedy to her untimely death.

Legacy and Impact

While Maria Elias Caram’s life was brief, her story contributes to the larger narrative of the Titanic disaster. She represents the dreams and aspirations of many third-class passengers who saw the Titanic as a vessel to a new life full of opportunities.

How does Maria’s story reflect the immigrant experience?

Maria’s journey embodies the immigrant experience of the early 20th century. At just 18 years old, she and her husband were part of a wave of Lebanese immigrants seeking better lives in North America. Their story highlights the risks and sacrifices made by countless individuals and families in pursuit of a brighter future.

Remembering Maria Elias Caram

Today, Maria Elias Caram is remembered not only as a Titanic victim but as a young woman full of potential, whose life was tragically cut short. Her story serves as a reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster and the countless dreams that sank with the ship on that fateful night in April 1912.