Marie Grice Young

Who was Marie Grice Young?

Marie Grice Young was a 36 (thirty-six) year-old American first-class passenger who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on January 5, 1876, in Washington DC, she was a talented pianist and music teacher who had connections to prominent political figures, including President Theodore Roosevelt’s family.

Early Life and Musical Career

A Musically Gifted Family

Marie Grice Young came from a family with strong musical talents:

• Her father, Samuel Grice Young, was a gifted songwriter and baritone vocalist
• She inherited her father’s musical abilities, becoming an accomplished pianist
• Marie received her education in convent schools and completed advanced music studies

Teaching the Children of the Elite

Marie’s musical talents led her to teach piano to children from prominent families:

“One day, I received a call from Mrs. Roosevelt asking if I would give daily lessons on the piano to her sons, Archie, then 7, and Quentin, 10. I agreed and they came to my home for their lessons for more than two years. Their sister, Ethel, was also one of my pupils.” - Marie Grice Young, The Evening Recorder, February 12, 1955

This connection to the Roosevelt family highlighted Marie’s status as a respected music teacher in Washington’s elite circles.

What Led Marie to Board the Titanic?

Marie’s journey on the Titanic began with a winter vacation in Rome with her close companion, Ella Holmes White. The pair decided to return to New York in April 1912, booking passage on the ill-fated ship.

Titanic Journey Details

• Embarkation: Cherbourg
• Ticket Number: 17760
• Cabin: C32
• Fare: £135 12s 8d

Marie and Ella boarded the Titanic as first-class passengers, accompanied by Ella’s maid Nellie Bessette and manservant Sante Righini.

What Happened to Marie During the Disaster?

On the night of April 14, 1912, Marie Young experienced the terrifying sinking of the Titanic. Her survival story is both harrowing and intriguing:

1. After the collision, Marie and her companions went to A deck to await news
2. Captain Smith ordered passengers to fetch their lifebelts
3. Marie, Ella White, and Nellie Bessette boarded Lifeboat 8
4. They were among the earlier groups to leave the ship

Marie later recounted her experience, noting that she left the Titanic wearing only a flimsy negligee and a coat. This sparse attire led to her suffering from the cold during the rescue.

“You might add,” she continued with a chuckle, “that my only costume from Sunday night when the Titanic went down until Wednesday when we arrived in New York was a flimsy negligee.” - Marie Grice Young, Evening Recorder, February 12, 1955

Life After the Titanic

A Continued Companionship

Following their survival of the Titanic disaster, Marie Young and Ella White’s relationship deepened:

• They lived together for many years at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel
• In 1929, they moved to a luxurious apartment at the Plaza Hotel
• The pair continued to travel extensively, visiting Switzerland, Netherlands, Britain, Italy, and France

Marie’s Later Years

After Ella White’s death in 1942, Marie’s life took a new direction:

• She inherited Ella’s personal possessions and an annuity
• In the mid-1950s, Marie moved to the Mount Loretto Convalescent and Rest Home in Amsterdam, New York
• She spent her time reading, going on drives, and playing the piano (until arthritis limited her ability)

How Did Marie Grice Young’s Life End?

Marie Grice Young passed away on July 27, 1959, at the age of 83 (eighty-three). She was laid to rest in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Westchester, New York, survived by a great-niece.

Throughout her long life, Marie Grice Young experienced the heights of Washington society, the terror of the Titanic disaster, and the comfort of a deep, lifelong companionship. Her story serves as a testament to the resilience of Titanic survivors and the enduring impact of that fateful night in April 1912.