Miss Susanna Juhantytär Riihivuori

Who was Susanna Riihivuori?

Miss Susanna Juhantytär Riihivuori, also known as Sanni, was a 22 (twenty-two) year-old Finnish passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on April 23, 1889, in Western Finland, Susanna’s journey on the Titanic would tragically be her last, as she became one of the many victims of the third-class during the ship’s sinking on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Background

What was Susanna’s family situation?

Susanna Riihivuori was the daughter of Juho Riihivuori. She lived with her father in Ylihärmä, Western Finland, where they were neighbors to the Panula family. This connection would play a significant role in Susanna’s decision to embark on her fateful journey.

Why did Susanna decide to travel to America?

When the Panula family made the decision to relocate to Coal Centre, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Susanna saw an opportunity. It’s believed that she accompanied the family with the intention of working as their maid, seeking a new life and opportunities in America.

The Titanic Journey

How did Susanna board the Titanic?

Susanna boarded the Titanic at Southampton on April 10, 1912, along with Maria Panula and her children. As a third-class passenger, Susanna’s accommodations were modest compared to those in the upper classes.

What were the details of Susanna’s ticket and fare?

• Ticket Number: 3101295
• Fare: £9 39s 13d (9 pounds, 39 shillings, and 13 pence)

This fare, while substantial for a third-class ticket, represented Susanna’s investment in her future and the hope for a better life in America.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Susanna during the sinking?

Tragically, Susanna Riihivuori did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a third-class passenger, her chances of survival were significantly lower due to limited access to lifeboats and the ship’s upper decks.

Sanni died in the sinking, her body was never found.

This stark statement encapsulates the tragic end to Susanna’s young life and the dreams she carried with her across the Atlantic.

Legacy and Aftermath

How was Susanna’s family affected by her loss?

The loss of Susanna had a profound impact on her family, particularly her father. In the aftermath of the disaster:

• Susanna’s father sought financial assistance from the relief fund.
• While there are no records of direct payments to her father, a compensation of £50 was paid out.

This compensation, while unable to replace the loss of a daughter, may have provided some small measure of financial relief to the grieving family.

Connections to Other Passengers

Susanna’s journey was intertwined with that of the Panula family. Her connections included:

• Maija Emelia Abrahamintytar Panula
• Jaako Arnold Panula
• Ernesti Arvid Panula
• Juha Niilo Panula
• Urho Abraham Panula
• Eino Viljam Panula

These connections highlight the interconnected nature of many Titanic passengers’ stories, particularly among those from the same communities or regions.

Historical Significance

What does Susanna’s story tell us about third-class passengers on the Titanic?

Susanna Riihivuori’s story is emblematic of many third-class passengers aboard the Titanic:

1. Young individuals seeking better opportunities in America
2. Traveling with or accompanying families they knew from their homeland
3. Facing lower survival rates due to their class status on the ship

Her tale serves as a poignant reminder of the dreams and aspirations cut short by the Titanic disaster, particularly among those in steerage.

Susanna Riihivuori’s life, though brief, stands as a testament to the courage of those who sought a better future across the Atlantic, and the cruel twist of fate that awaited them on that fateful April night in 1912.