Miss Mariayam Nakid

Who was Mariayam Nakid?

Mariayam Nakid was a young third-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic who survived the tragic sinking but tragically became the first survivor to pass away shortly after the disaster. Born in March 1911 in Ihdin, Zaghartā, Lebanon, Mariayam was just 1 (one) year old when she embarked on the ill-fated voyage with her parents.

Early Life and Lebanese Origins

Mariayam was born to Sa’īd Antūn Nakid (born 1891) and Wadi’ah Nakid (born 1892) in Lebanon. As the first child of the young couple, Mariayam’s early life was shaped by her family’s decision to emigrate to the United States. The Nakid family’s journey was motivated by the presence of Mariayam’s paternal grandmother, Cattur Habīb Nakid, who had already settled in Waterbury, Connecticut.

The Titanic Journey

How did the Nakid family come to be on the Titanic?

The Nakid family boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, as third-class passengers. They were traveling on ticket number 2653, which cost £15 14s 10d. This journey represented a significant investment for the family, highlighting their commitment to starting a new life in America.

What were the conditions for third-class passengers?

Third-class accommodations on the Titanic, while basic, were considered superior to those on many other ships of the era. However, the Nakid family, like other third-class passengers, would have faced challenges in accessing the ship’s limited lifeboats during the evacuation.

Survival and Aftermath

Mariayam and her parents were among the fortunate survivors of the Titanic disaster. Upon arrival in New York, the family received care at St. Vincent’s Hospital and were provided with:

• Clothing
• Financial assistance amounting to $62.30

Mariayam’s grandmother, unaware of their presence on the Titanic, rushed to New York to reunite with her family. The Nakid family then settled in Waterbury, Connecticut, where they anglicized their surname to “Nackid,” with Mariayam becoming known as Maria.

A Tragic Turn of Events

“Maria Nackid soon fell ill and died on July 30, 1912, as a result of meningitis. She was the first person among the 712 Titanic survivors to die.”

In a cruel twist of fate, young Maria’s survival of the Titanic disaster was short-lived. Just months after the sinking, she succumbed to meningitis, becoming the first Titanic survivor to pass away. Her brief life ended at the age of 1 (one), and she was laid to rest in an unmarked grave in Calvary Cemetery, Waterbury.

The Nakid Family’s Legacy

Despite the loss of their firstborn, the Nakid parents persevered and built a life in Waterbury. They went on to have five more children:

1. Thomas (1913-1962)
2. John A. (1917-1966)
3. Catherine (1921-1954)
4. Anthony Thomas (1923-2001)
5. Frederick R. (1926-1988)

Sa’īd Antūn Nakid passed away in 1926, while Wadi’ah lived until 1963. The last of Mariayam’s siblings, Anthony, died in 2001. Today, the Nakid family legacy continues through numerous descendants still residing in the Waterbury area.

Remembering Mariayam Nakid

Mariayam Nakid’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching impact of the Titanic disaster. Her brief life encapsulates the hopes, struggles, and tragedies faced by many immigrant families seeking a better life in America at the turn of the 20th century. While her time was short, Mariayam’s story continues to be told as part of the broader narrative of the Titanic’s survivors and the enduring fascination with this historic event.