Miss Rose Amélie Icard

Who was Rose Amélie Icard?

Miss Rose Amélie Icard was a 39 (thirty-nine) year-old French passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on October 31, 1872, in Vaucluse, France, she served as a personal maid to Mrs. George Nelson Stone during the voyage. Icard’s journey on the Titanic would become a defining moment in her life, as she survived the tragic sinking and lived to tell her tale.

Early Life and Background

What was Rose Amélie Icard’s upbringing like?

Rose Amélie Icard was born into a French family, with her father, Marc Icard, residing in Mafs á Murs. Little is known about her early years, but her career choice as a personal maid suggests she may have come from a working-class background. Her profession would ultimately lead her to a fateful journey across the Atlantic.

The Titanic Journey

How did Rose Amélie Icard come to be on the Titanic?

Rose Amélie Icard boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a first-class passenger, accompanying her employer, Martha Evelyn Stone. The two women traveled on ticket number 113572, which was purchased by Mrs. Stone. The fare for their passage was £80, a significant sum at the time, reflecting the luxurious accommodations of the first-class section.

Key Details of Icard’s Titanic Voyage:

Class: First Class
Ticket Number: 113572
Cabin: B28
Port of Embarkation: Southampton

The Fateful Night

What happened to Rose Amélie Icard during the Titanic disaster?

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Rose Amélie Icard found herself in the midst of chaos and tragedy. Despite the panic and confusion, she managed to secure a place in lifeboat 6, along with Mrs. Stone. This fortunate circumstance would save both women from the freezing waters of the North Atlantic.

The experience of being lowered into the dark, cold ocean in a small lifeboat must have been terrifying for Rose Amélie Icard, a personal maid suddenly thrust into one of history’s most infamous disasters.

Survival and Later Life

How did Rose Amélie Icard’s life unfold after the Titanic?

After being rescued by the Carpathia, Rose Amélie Icard disembarked in New York City. She had survived one of the most notorious maritime disasters in history, an experience that would undoubtedly stay with her for the rest of her life.

Icard returned to France, where she lived for many more years. She passed away on July 15, 1964, in La Tronche, near Grenoble, France, at the age of 91 (ninety-one). Her longevity allowed her to witness significant changes in the world, from the aftermath of the Titanic disaster to two World Wars and beyond.

Legacy and Remembrance

How is Rose Amélie Icard remembered today?

Rose Amélie Icard’s story is a testament to the diverse experiences of Titanic survivors. As a first-class passenger and a personal maid, she represents an interesting intersection of social classes aboard the ship. Her survival ensured that her unique perspective on the disaster could be passed down through generations.

While Icard was buried in Cimetiere Du Grand Sablon, La Tronche, her headstone has since been removed, and the exact former location is unknown. This physical absence of a memorial underscores the importance of preserving her story through historical records and accounts.

An Enduring Tale of Survival

Rose Amélie Icard’s journey from a personal maid in France to a survivor of one of history’s most famous shipwrecks is a remarkable one. Her story continues to fascinate those interested in the Titanic’s history, providing a personal connection to the events of that fateful night in April 1912. As one of the many survivors who lived well into the 20th century, Icard’s life serves as a bridge between the Edwardian era of the Titanic and the modern world, reminding us of the lasting impact of this historic tragedy.