On the 24th of October 2009, family, friends and distinguished guests, gathered at Southhampton docks and said their fond farewells to the last living survivor of Titanic, Millvina Dean.  Milvina’s ashes were spread from a Southhampton dock, where Titanic had set sail on her maiden voyage, with her as a small baby passenger.  Quite incredibly, at the ripe old age of 97 she passed away in her nursing home 98 years to the day from Titanic’s launch from Belfast – the 31st May. 

Coincidentally, less than 12 months ago my own family and the community of Bushmills said farewell to Annie Bustard who was born Annie Clarke on St John’s Point in Co. Donegal.  She, like Milvina Dean, was afforded a very fitting tribute to her life, with the busy town of Bushmills coming to a standstill and shop-owners closing their premises and standing in silence as a mark of respect as her cortege moved up the main street to eventually be laid to rest in Parish grounds. 

These were both remarkable women.  My Grandmother once recounted to me of seeing the fireworks which marked Armistice day, the end of World War 1 and of watching many of her family emigrate to the United States and Australia, the majority never to return. 

Having endured 2 world wars and in their own separate ways, the turbulence of the 50’s and 60’s and the troubles of our Islands’ history, they were more qualified than most to comment on the changing face of humanity and it’s impacts on people’s lives and the world around us.  Both seem to have remained bright and sharp right til the end of their lives and capable of much fun and humour; this certainly comes across in this interview afforded KYKY FM of the USA in 1997 by Millvina Dean.

As the world mourns the loss of the last Titanic survivor, we wish to dedicate this site to the memories of Annie Clarke & Millvina Dean and to the incredible and tenacious people of their generation.  In their memory I hope we can support, nurture and develop a wider appreciation of the story and metaphor of Titanic and assist the generations of today to come to understand better the legacy of Titanic, her lessons and ultimate message to us from across the age.