Miss Rosalie Bidois

Who was Rosalie Bidois?

Rosalie Bidois was a 46 (forty-six) year-old first-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born on May 10, 1865, in St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands, she worked as a personal maid for the wealthy Madeleine Talmage Astor, wife of John Jacob Astor. Bidois survived the sinking of the Titanic and lived a life marked by service, travel, and personal challenges.

Early Life and Background

What was Rosalie Bidois’ family history?

Rosalie Bidois came from a French family settled in the Channel Islands. Her parents were:

Pierre François Bidois (b. 1835) - a coppersmith
Rosalie Martillet (b. 1839) - a seamstress

Rosalie had five siblings:

Marie (b. 1862)
Pierre (b. 1868)
Alfred (b. 1869)
Augustine (b. 1873)
Jules (b. 1874)

How did Rosalie’s early life shape her future?

Tragically, Rosalie lost both her parents at a young age - her mother in 1874 and her father in 1878. This loss likely influenced her future career path and independence. By 1891, Rosalie had moved to London, working as a governess for the wealthy Dennison family.

Rosalie’s Journey to America

When did Rosalie move to the United States?

Rosalie Bidois first appears in American records in September 1909, when she entered New York aboard the ship Chicago. She described herself as:

Ethnicity: French
Previous residence: Paris
Occupation: Lady’s maid
Height: 5'4"
Complexion: Fair
Hair: Black
Eyes: Grey

Who were Rosalie’s connections in America?

Upon arrival, Rosalie listed two important contacts:

Brother Alfred - 9 Rosemount Cottages, Jersey
Sister Augustine - 9 High Street, Bar Harbor, Maine

Titanic Journey

What was Rosalie’s role on the Titanic?

Rosalie Bidois boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg as part of the entourage of Colonel John Jacob Astor and his young wife, Madeleine. Her fellow staff members included:

Victor Robins - Mr. Astor’s manservant
Caroline Louise Endres - Mrs. Astor’s nurse

Detail	Information
Class	First Class
Ticket Number	17757
Fare	£247 10s 6d
Cabin	Unknown

What happened to Rosalie during the sinking?

Rosalie Bidois survived the sinking of the Titanic, escaping in Lifeboat 4 along with Mrs. Astor and Caroline Endres. According to the New York Times (April 22, 1912):

Mrs. John Jacob Astor and her maid, Rosalie Bidois, who were saved in the disaster to the Titanic, have been able to give to members of the Astor household some account as to what took place in the lifeboat which carried them away from the wrecked steamship…In the work of rescue Mrs. Astor’s maid played a conspicuous part. Six men believed to be seamen were dragged by the women into the boat. One of the men was dead when they found him, and another died shortly after he was pulled into the boat.

Life After the Titanic

How did the Titanic disaster affect Rosalie’s career?

It’s unclear how long Rosalie remained in Mrs. Astor’s service after the Titanic disaster. By 1925, she was still living and working in New York, having made at least one more transatlantic voyage. On May 4, 1927, Rosalie petitioned for US citizenship and was naturalized in December of that year.

Did Rosalie ever marry?

Yes, but briefly. On February 6, 1932, at the age of 66 (sixty-six), Rosalie married François Courtinade, a 57 (fifty-seven) year-old French widower. However, their marriage lasted less than a year, reportedly ending due to Courtinade’s adultery.

Final Years and Legacy

Rosalie Bidois faced health challenges in her later years and sadly died in poverty. She passed away on September 24, 1938, at the age of 73 (seventy-three) in a Manhattan hospital. Rosalie was buried in St. Raymond’s Cemetery alongside her sister Augustine.

What can we learn from Rosalie Bidois’ life?

Rosalie Bidois’ life story exemplifies the experiences of many working-class individuals who found themselves witnesses to historic events. Her journey from the Channel Islands to the decks of the Titanic and beyond showcases the resilience and adaptability of those who served the wealthy during the early 20th century. Though she may not have left a prominent mark on history, Rosalie’s survival of the Titanic disaster and her subsequent life in America offer a unique perspective on the immigrant experience and the lasting impact of that fateful night in April 1912.