Maria Josefa Perez de Soto y Vallejo Peñasco y Castellana

Who was Maria Josefa Perez de Soto y Vallejo Peñasco y Castellana?

Maria Josefa Perez de Soto y Vallejo Peñasco y Castellana was a 22 (twenty-two) year-old Spanish first-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born on September 3, 1889, she was a woman of independent means who survived the tragic sinking of the ship on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Background

A Life of Privilege

Maria Josefa was born into a life of privilege in Madrid, Spain. As a woman of independent means, she likely enjoyed a comfortable upbringing and education befitting her social status. Her marriage to Victor de Sato de Peñasco y Castellana further solidified her position in Spanish high society.

What was Maria Josefa’s occupation?

Despite her young age, Maria Josefa was listed as having an occupation of “Independent Means.” This designation suggests that she had access to personal wealth or inheritance, allowing her to live comfortably without the need for traditional employment.

The Titanic Journey

Embarkation and Accommodations

Maria Josefa boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, accompanied by her husband Victor and their maid, Fermina Oliva y Ocana. The trio traveled in first-class luxury, with their cabin assigned as C65. Their ticket, numbered 17758, came at a considerable cost of £108 18s, reflecting their affluent status.

Who accompanied Maria Josefa on her journey?

Maria Josefa was not alone on her fateful voyage. She traveled with:

• Her husband, Victor Peñasco y Castellana
• Their maid, Fermina Oliva y Ocana

This arrangement was typical for wealthy passengers of the era, who often traveled with servants to attend to their needs.

Fate During the Disaster

Survival and Rescue

When the Titanic struck an iceberg on the night of April 14, 1912, Maria Josefa’s life changed forever. In the chaos that ensued, she managed to secure a place on lifeboat 8, ensuring her survival. Tragically, her husband Victor did not survive the disaster.

“She and her maid were rescued in lifeboat 8.”

This simple statement encapsulates the profound difference between life and death on that fateful night. Maria Josefa’s survival, along with that of her maid, stands in stark contrast to the loss of her husband and so many others.

What became of Maria Josefa’s companions?

The fates of Maria Josefa’s traveling companions diverged dramatically:

• Fermina Oliva y Ocana: Survived, rescued alongside Maria Josefa in lifeboat 8
• Victor Peñasco y Castellana: Perished in the sinking

Life After the Titanic

Return to Spain

After being rescued and arriving in New York City, Maria Josefa likely returned to her native Spain. The trauma of the Titanic disaster and the loss of her husband undoubtedly had a profound impact on her life.

How long did Maria Josefa live after the Titanic disaster?

Maria Josefa lived for 60 years after surviving the Titanic sinking. She passed away on June 2, 1972, at the age of 82 (eighty-two). Her long life allowed her to witness significant changes in the world, from the aftermath of the Titanic disaster to the space age.

Legacy and Final Resting Place

Maria Josefa Perez de Soto y Vallejo Peñasco y Castellana’s final resting place is at the Cementerio Sacramental de San Isidro in Madrid, Spain. This historic cemetery, known for its artistic and architectural value, serves as the burial site for many notable Spanish figures.

Her survival story, as one of the first-class passengers who lived through the Titanic disaster, continues to fascinate historians and Titanic enthusiasts. Maria Josefa’s experience offers a unique perspective on the tragedy, highlighting both the privileges of first-class travel and the indiscriminate nature of disaster.