Mrs Sha’nīnah Abī Sa’b (Shawneene George)

Mrs Sha’nīnah Abī Sa’b, also known as Shawneene George, was a remarkable survivor of the Titanic disaster and a resilient Syrian-Lebanese immigrant who overcame numerous hardships in her life. Born on March 29, 1874, in Thoum, Syria (now Lebanon), she embarked on a journey that would take her across the Atlantic and into the annals of history.

Early Life and Background

Sha’nīnah was born to Thomas George Abi-Saab and Katoole Deeb Abi-Saab on Palm Sunday, which is reflected in her name - Shawneene means Palm Sunday in Arabic. As the youngest of seven siblings, her early life was marked by the cultural traditions of Lebanon:

• Took her husband’s first name as her last name upon marriage
• Used “Jenny” when interacting with Americans
• Faced limited dowry options due to being the youngest child

Why Did Sha’nīnah First Come to America?

Sha’nīnah first arrived in America around 1906 with a specific goal in mind. She hoped to earn enough money to:

1. Return to Lebanon
2. Purchase land for her family
3. Build a house

However, fate had different plans for her. When her husband, George Joseph Whabee, died in 1908, Sha’nīnah decided to stay in America. She eventually brought all of her children - Joseph, Thomas, Albert, Rose, and Mary - to live with her in Youngstown, Ohio.

The Tragic Return to Lebanon

In 1910, Sha’nīnah’s life took a sorrowful turn when her 17-year-old son Thomas fell ill. Following a doctor’s advice, she sent Thomas back to Lebanon, accompanied by his brother Joseph. Tragically, by the time Sha’nīnah arrived in Lebanon after receiving news of Thomas’s deteriorating condition, he had already passed away ten days prior.

The Titanic Journey

After spending a year settling family affairs in Lebanon, Sha’nīnah prepared to return to America in the spring of 1912. Her journey would lead her to become a part of one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

Titanic Boarding Details

Sha’nīnah boarded the Titanic with three cousins and a young niece:

• Tannous Thomas
• Gerios Yousseff
• Tannous Doharr
• Banoura Ayoub, a thirteen-year-old girl

What Was Life Like for Lebanese Passengers on the Titanic?

Approximately 165 Lebanese immigrants were aboard the Titanic, occupying cabins close together and sharing their own dining room. Sha’nīnah reported that the steerage accommodations were superior to any she had experienced on previous trips. The Lebanese passengers spent their time socializing and enjoying each other’s company.

The Night of the Disaster

When the Titanic struck the iceberg, chaos ensued. Sha’nīnah’s account of that night paints a vivid picture of the terror and bravery witnessed:

“I saw George Joseph, [Gerious Youseff] one of my cousins. He pushed me toward one of the lifeboats. Sailors armed with revolvers drove the men away from the boats shouting, ‘Women and children first!’. They shot into the air to frighten the men. Many passengers were overcome with fright.”

Sha’nīnah and Banoura were placed in one of the last lifeboats to be lowered. They watched in horror as the Titanic sank into the depths of the Atlantic.

Survival and Rescue

Dressed only in her nightgown, Sha’nīnah endured six hours in the lifeboat, battling extreme cold. Several passengers in her lifeboat tragically froze to death. Upon reaching the Carpathia, Sha’nīnah witnessed a heartwarming reunion between a mother and her lost child, Tommy, a moment she would never forget.

Life After the Titanic

The Titanic disaster left its mark on Sha’nīnah both physically and emotionally. Within a year of her return to America, her jet-black hair had turned completely white. Despite this trauma, she persevered:

• Resumed her job doing laundry and housework
• Worked in a steel mill during World War I
• Helped in her family’s grocery store
• Worked in the George and Thomas Cone Company, started by her children

Sha’nīnah’s resilience in the face of numerous hardships is a testament to her strength of character. She endured poverty, the loss of family members, and the grueling work of an immigrant in America, all while maintaining a loving and affectionate demeanor.

Legacy and Family

Sha’nīnah’s legacy lives on through her family and their business ventures. The George and Thomas Cone Company, now known as Joy Cone Company, continues to operate today under the leadership of her grandson, Joseph George.

Sha’nīnah Abī Sa’b passed away on April 21, 1947, at the age of 73 (seventy-three). She was laid to rest in Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Hermitage, Mercer County, Pennsylvania. Her remarkable journey from Lebanon to America, her survival of the Titanic disaster, and her perseverance in building a new life serve as an inspiring chapter in the history of third-class passengers and survivors of the Titanic.