Miss Stella Anne Sage

Who was Stella Anne Sage?

Miss Stella Anne Sage was a 20 (twenty) year-old English dressmaker who tragically lost her life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born on July 25, 1891, in Hackney, London, Stella was traveling with her entire family as third-class passengers, embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead to their untimely demise.

Early Life and Background

A Large Family in England

Stella Anne Sage was born into a large family, the eldest of nine children. Her parents were:

John George Sage (born 1867): A corn chandler from Hackney
Elizabeth Ann Cazaly (born 1865): Originally from Wolverhampton, Staffordshire

Stella’s siblings included:

George John (born 1892)
Douglas Bullen (born 1893)
Frederick (born 1895)
Dorothy Florence (born 1897)
Anthony William (born 1899)
Elizabeth Ada (born 1901)
Constance Gladys (born 1904)
Thomas Henry (born 1907)

Where did the Sage family live?

The Sage family moved several times throughout Stella’s childhood:

1891: 253 Queen’s Road, Hackney, London
Early 1900s: Gaywood, Norfolk (New Inn, where her father worked as a publican)
1911: 246 Gladstone Street, Peterborough, Northamptonshire

By 1911, Stella’s father had changed professions and was working as a baker.

The Journey to a New Life

A Family’s Dream of Florida

In April 1911, Stella’s father and eldest brother George embarked on a journey to Winnipeg, Manitoba. They worked as cooks for the Central Pacific Railway, saving money to pursue a new venture. After several months, they purchased a fruit farm in Jacksonville, Florida, with plans to cultivate pecans.

The entire Sage family decided to relocate to Florida to start a new life. John Sage returned to Peterborough in September 1911, followed by George two months later, to prepare for the family’s big move.

Boarding the Titanic

Originally, the Sage family was scheduled to travel aboard the Philadelphia. However, due to a coal strike, they were forced to change their plans and book passage on the RMS Titanic instead. On April 10, 1912, after bidding farewell to friends and well-wishers, the family boarded a train to Southampton and embarked on the Titanic as third-class passengers.

Titanic Journey Details:

Class: Third Class
Ticket Number: 2343
Fare: £69 11s (69 pounds, 11 shillings)

Stella’s Last Communication

Before the disaster, Stella sent a postcard to her friend, Mrs. Todd of 188 Walpole Street, which was posted in Queenstown. The postcard read:

Queenstown Town,
Dear Mrs. Todd -
Just a postcard of the boat. I am not sea sick yet and hope I shall not be. Will write a long letter while on the boat. Cheer up, I’m coming back soon.
With love Stella.

This cheerful message would be the last communication from Stella to her friends back home.

What happened to Stella during the Titanic disaster?

As the Titanic began to sink on the night of April 14-15, 1912, the Sage family reportedly made it to the deck. There are accounts suggesting that Stella had initially gotten into a lifeboat but chose to leave when other members of her family were unable to join her.

Tragically, the entire Sage family, including Stella, perished in the sinking. Out of the eleven family members aboard, only the body of Anthony William Sage was recovered.

Legacy and Remembrance

Stella Anne Sage’s story is a poignant reminder of the many families who were torn apart by the Titanic disaster. Her decision to remain with her family in their final moments speaks to the strong bonds they shared. Today, Stella is remembered alongside the many other victims of the Titanic, her story serving as a testament to the human cost of the tragedy.

The Sage family’s journey from England to their hoped-for new life in Florida, cut short by the Titanic’s sinking, represents the dreams and aspirations of many immigrants of the era. Stella’s life, though brief, continues to be a part of the enduring narrative of the Titanic, reminding us of the individual stories behind one of history’s most famous maritime disasters.