Wendla Maria Heininen
Miss Wendla Maria Heininen
Who was Wendla Maria Heininen?
Wendla Maria Heininen was a 23 (twenty-three) year-old Finnish servant who tragically lost her life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on June 7, 1888, in Laitila, Åbo, Finland, she was a third-class passenger embarking on a journey to New York City when disaster struck.
Early Life and Background
Family Roots in Finland
Wendla Maria Heininen was born into a large Finnish family:
- Parents: Johan Samuelsson Saxen (born November 20, 1852) and Mathilda Mattsdotter Sundgren (born February 27, 1852)
- Birthplace: Laitila, Åbo, Finland
- Siblings: Nine known siblings, including twins
Her parents’ background provides insight into the family’s humble origins:
Before marriage, Wendla’s mother worked as a maid, while her father was employed as a farm hand.
Siblings and Family Life
Wendla grew up in a bustling household with numerous siblings:
- Edla Mathilda (b. October 25, 1875)
- Amanda Wilhelmina (b. September 26, 1877)
- Johan Anselm (b. September 17, 1879)
- Gustaf Werner (b. May or August 11, 1881)
- Fredrika Alexandra (b. August 13, 1883)
- Twins Frans Malakias and Karl Jeremias (b. October 19, 1885)
- Viktor Evert (b. October 13, 1892)
- Oskar Lambert (b. November 25, 1894)
The family resided in Laitila, Åbo och Björneborgs County, Finland, as of 1886.
Titanic Journey
Why was Wendla traveling to New York?
As a single woman from Turku, Finland, Wendla Maria Heininen was embarking on a journey to New York City, likely in search of new opportunities. Her occupation as a servant suggests she may have been seeking employment in the bustling metropolis.
Titanic Boarding Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Class | 3rd Class |
| Ticket Number | 3101290 |
| Fare | £7 18s 6d |
| Embarkation Port | Southampton |
Wendla boarded the Titanic at Southampton, joining the ranks of many other third-class passengers seeking a new life in America.
Fate During the Disaster
What happened to Wendla during the Titanic’s sinking?
Tragically, Miss Heininen did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. In the chaotic early hours of April 15, 1912, she, like many other third-class passengers, was unable to reach the lifeboats in time.
Recovery and Identification
A few days after the disaster, a poignant discovery was made:
A female body was pulled from the sea by crew members of the cable ship MacKay Bennett.
This body, initially unidentified, was given the designation “Body No. 8” and laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The gravestone bore only a number and the date of death.
Legacy and Remembrance
How was Wendla’s identity finally confirmed?
Recent research efforts have brought closure to Wendla’s story:
- Her identity was positively confirmed as Body No. 8
- Her name was added to the previously unmarked gravestone in Fairview Cemetery
Compensation and Remembrance
In recognition of their loss, Wendla Maria Heininen’s relatives received £50 in compensation. While a small sum by today’s standards, it represented an acknowledgment of the tragedy that befell this young Finnish woman.
Wendla’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic disaster, particularly those of third-class passengers whose dreams of a new life in America were never realized.
Andre Nolan is an avid Titanic historian and the creator of TitanicUniverse.com, a website dedicated to uncovering the untold stories and forgotten details behind the famous ocean liner.
With a lifelong passion for maritime history, Andre has spent over a decade researching the Titanic, from the personal lives of passengers and crew to the engineering marvels that made the ship an icon of its era.
When he's not immersed in Titanic lore, Andre enjoys connecting with fellow maritime history lovers, exploring historic ships and shipwrecks.