Miss Olga Elida Lundin

Who was Olga Elida Lundin?

Olga Elida Lundin was a 23 (twenty-three) year-old Swedish passenger who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on January 9, 1889, in Hallaryd, Kronoberg, Sweden, Olga’s journey on the Titanic was meant to be the start of a new life in America with her fiancé. Her survival and subsequent life story offer a unique perspective on the Titanic disaster and its long-lasting impact on survivors.

Early Life and Background

A Family of Five

Olga was the eldest of five children born to Edvard Lundin and Gustafva Eriksdotter. Her siblings were:

• Jenny Alfrida (born July 9, 1890)
• Hulda Annette (born May 29, 1892)
• Hjalmar (born January 17, 1896)
• Hjalmar (born February 9, 1900 - died December 12, 1897)

Hardship and Responsibility

In 1907, Olga’s father reportedly emigrated, possibly abandoning the family. This left Olga with significant responsibilities:

• She received only a brief education
• Worked as a farmhand to support her family
• Developed a strong sense of independence

The Titanic Journey

Why did Olga decide to sail on the Titanic?

In early 1912, Olga’s acquaintance (and possible cousin) Nils Johansson returned from America with enthralling tales of opportunity. This led to:

1. Olga and Nils becoming engaged
2. Plans to return to the USA and marry
3. Booking passage on the Titanic

Titanic Boarding Details

Olga boarded the Titanic with a group of fellow Swedes:

• Her fiancé Nils Johansson
• Pål Andreasson
• Albert Augustsson
• Karl Jonsson

During the voyage, she shared a cabin with Gerda Ulrika Dahlberg.

The Night of the Disaster

How did Olga survive the Titanic’s sinking?

On the night of April 14, 1912, Olga’s life changed forever:

1. She enjoyed dancing in third-class and went to bed late
2. A steward woke her after midnight, informing her of the iceberg collision
3. Initially not alarmed, she dressed and went to communal areas
4. Witnessed chaotic scenes on deck
5. Was separated from her fiancé, who was held back by an officer
6. Secured a seat in a lifeboat

“Olga, you must go now and I will remain here to die. Remember me to [illegible] at our old home and to our friends to whom you will go.”

These were the last words Olga heard from her fiancé before boarding the lifeboat.

Olga’s Lifeboat Experience

In the lifeboat, Olga witnessed:

• Calm waters and a star-filled sky
• Piercing cold
• The Titanic’s final moments, including explosions she attributed to boilers
• Wreckage and bodies in the water
• Fellow survivors weeping
• A man attempting to sing to raise spirits, only to break down in sobs

Life After the Titanic

How did the Titanic disaster shape Olga’s future?

Olga’s survival of the Titanic led to a life of constant movement and adaptation:

1. Initial arrival in America:

   • Arrived in New York unable to speak English
   • Stayed with relatives in Meriden, Connecticut
   • Received $75 from the Women’s Relief Committee

2. Multiple trans-Atlantic crossings:

   • Moved to California in 1913
   • Returned to Sweden
   • Sailed back to the USA in 1923
   • Another return to Sweden
   • Final move to the USA in 1929

3. Career and personal life:

   • Worked as a baker and cook
   • Engaged twice, with her second fiancé dying before the wedding
   • Married Charles Andersson on June 15, 1935, in Washington DC
   • Worked for notable figures, including Norwegian Crown Prince Olav during his WWII exile

4. Final years:

   • Returned to Sweden in the early 1960s
   • Widowed in 1964
   • Made her home in Osby, Skåne
   • Donated 10,000 Kr to Hässleholm Hospital in 1961

What was Olga Lundin’s legacy?

Olga Elida Lundin-Andersson’s life exemplifies the resilience of Titanic survivors. From a young Swedish farmhand to a survivor of one of history’s most famous disasters, she went on to lead a life marked by adventure, hardship, and ultimately, generosity. Her story provides valuable insights into the long-term effects of the Titanic disaster on its survivors and their subsequent life paths.

Olga passed away on March 1, 1973, at the age of 84 (eighty-four) in Osby, Sweden. She is buried in Hallaryd Cemetery, having lived a life that spanned continents and witnessed significant historical events, all shaped by her fateful journey on the Titanic.